Housing for encasing a mobile computing device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a system for housing a device are described. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes a perimeter portion. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members and may be configured for engaging a third clasping mechanism, such as a locking comb or wedge feature. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/631,751,filed Feb. 25, 2015; which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No.14/180,220, filed Feb. 13, 2014, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,995,126;which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/971,808, filed Aug.20, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/562,219,filed Jul. 30, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,531,834; which inturn is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/517,583, filed Jun.13, 2012; which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional App. No. 61/496,503, filed on Jun. 13, 2011, and toProvisional App. No. 61/497,479, filed on Jun. 15, 2011; the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a housing for protecting one ormore objects, such as an object in need of protection from the elements,mistreatment, and/or other unfortunate handling. For instance, in oneaspect, the disclosure relates to a housing for protecting one or morecomponents of a device or a device itself, such as an electronic device,for example, a mobile computer, for instance, a digital tablet computer,or the like.

BACKGROUND

Dirt, mud, rain, snow, and water in all of its forms can be damaging tovarious objects. Additionally, objects that are fragile or otherwisebreakable can be damaged by mistreatment and/or other unfortunatehandling. It is, therefore, useful to have a housing within which anobject of need of protection may be housed so as to protect it frominclement conditions, mistreatment, and/or unfortunate handling. Typesof objects in need of such protection are electronic devices, such as amobile computer, for instance, a digital tablet computer, personaldigital assistant, electronic reader, mobile telephone device, and thelike.

Specifically, desktop computers are well known in the art. Mobilecomputers are also well known and allow all the same generalfunctionality as standard desktop computers, albeit often with lessmemory and/or processing power. For instance, mobile digital computersare capable of performing word processing tasks, spread sheetproduction, power-point generation, and typically possess mobilebroadband connectivity. However, often for general use, one need notengage extensive processing power, nor employ many of the programs oftenrun on typical desktop and/or mobile laptop computers, such as wordprocessing, spread sheet production, and power point generation andpresentation. Often for general use all that is required is a moderateprocessing power and memory as well as broadband internet connectivity.Accordingly, mobile digital tablet computers and mobile telephoneshaving computing functionality have been developed.

Mobile digital tablet computers serve the same basic functions as theircounterpart desk and laptop computers, however, typically with lessprocessing power and memory as well as less word processing, etc.Nevertheless, for general use all that is needed is internetconnectivity as well as the ability to obtain e-mail and read electronicdata, such as e-books. This functionality is perfect for tablet stylecomputers and even mobile telephones having such functionality, which bytheir nature are designed to be thin and light weight. Mobile digitaltablet computers and computing telephones, therefore, have becomeincreasingly popular with the general user.

With respect to tablet computers and mobile telephones with computingfunctionality, such electronic devices are well known and widely used.Tablet computers and mobile telephones with computing functions areelectronic devices that are convenient tools which allow continualaccess to the internet, make reading electronic books easy, andfacilitates people's communications with one another, e.g., via phone,e-mail and/or various social media modalities, while on the go and awayfrom traditional telephone landlines. For instance, mobile tablet andtelephone devices allow people to connect to the internet, download andread or watch books and movies, as well as to communicate with othersvia voice, text message, SMS, IM, social media modalities, and the like.Electronic readers are devices that are similar to tablet computers, butwith even more limited computing functionality yet nevertheless allow auser to easily store, view and read various print media. However, whiletablet computers, mobile telephones, and electronic readers may beportable and handy to use, they suffer from some drawbacks. For example,they are often expensive and contain fragile electronic components thatmake them prone to damage due to inclement weather and/or mishandling.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a mechanism whereby anobject, such as a portable tablet computer, mobile telephone, or anelectronic reader device, may be protected from inclement weather and/orerrant handling and/or other damage that may result from contacting afluid, such as water, dirt, mud, and the like. The present disclosure isdirected to an apparatus and system for housing or encasing an object,such as a tablet computer, mobile telephone, or electronic reader and/orthe components thereof, as well as methods for using the same, in amanner that offers protection for the device from adverse environmentalconditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage, such as fromcontacting a fluid, such as water. Systems for the same are alsoprovided.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a housing for encasing an object is provided. The objectmay be any object that is in need of protecting from one or more adverseenvironmental conditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage,such as from contacting a fluid, such as water. The object may be adevice, e.g., an electronic device, and the housing a casing withinwhich the electronic device is housed; or the object may be a singlecomponent or several components of which the device, e.g., theelectronic device is comprised, and the housing may make up the outerbounds, e.g., casing, of the electronic device. The housing may be ofany appropriate size and dimension so long as it is capable of housingthe object and protecting it, for instance, from adverse environmentalconditions and/or rough treatment.

In certain embodiments, the object to be contained is an electronicdevice, such as a mobile computing and/or display device, for instance,a tablet computer, mobile telephone, electronic reader, personal digitalassistant, electronic/digital camera, or the like; and the housing isconfigured for protecting the electronic device. In certain embodiments,the object to be contained is one or more, e.g., a plurality, ofelectronic components, such as electronic components that are configuredfor functioning together so as to perform a particular function, such ascomputing and/or receiving or transmitting telephone calls, and thehousing is configured for both containing the electronic component(s)and protecting them. For example, where the electronic device is atablet computer or mobile telephone, etc. the components may be thecomponents contained within the tablet computer or telephone device thatallow it to function in an appropriate manner. The housing, therefore,could be the actual housing of the tablet computer, mobile telephone,etc. that typically houses the components, however, modified in themanner described herein below so as to be liquid proof and/or shockproof as described herein.

In one aspect a container is provided, wherein the container isconfigured for containing a device, such as an electronic device, e.g.,a mobile tablet style computer, mobile telephone, electronic reader,personal digital assistant, electronic/digital cameras, pager, and thelike. For ease and clarity, the use of the term tablet computer will beunderstood to include all such mobile devices having various computingfunctionalities and includes, but is not hereby limited to: mobiletablet computers, mobile telephones, electronic readers, electronicpersonal assistants, electronic/digital cameras, pagers, and the like.Accordingly, use of the term “tablet computer” or any derivation thereofshould be understood to mean any of these devices having computingfunctionalities unless the context indicates otherwise.

In various instances, the container includes a housing wherein thehousing is adapted for housing the device. It is to be understood thatalthough the following description is set forth with respect todescribing the shape and size of a particular container for housing aparticular device, i.e., a mobile tablet computer device, the shape,size, and/or configuration of the container and/or the object to becontained, e.g., a tablet device, can vary, for instance, as describedherein. Therefore, in one instance, a housing for housing a device, suchas an electronic device, for instance a tablet computer, is provided.

The housing is configured such that the device may be fitted within thehousing and be protected thereby. In certain instances, the housing mayinclude a top member and a bottom member that may be removably coupledtogether so as to form the housing. In certain instances, the top andbottom members are separate components capable of being separablycoupled together. In other instance, a single component forms both thetop and bottom member, which in such an instance, is configured forbeing folded upon itself and subsequently being unitarily coupledtogether.

Accordingly, the housing includes a coupling mechanism, which couplingmechanism may have any of a number of configurations that include any ofa number of components which collectively function to couple, mate,connect, or abut a top and/or a bottom portion of the housing whether ornot the top and bottom portions are two or more separate individualmembers or a single member having two or more distinct portions. Acoupling member, therefore, may incorporate anything or everything thatcouples, mates, connects, or abuts a top member portion with a bottommember portion. As an example, a coupling member would include anyintervening member such as a peripheral member or border that issandwiched between a top member portion and a bottom member portion.

In certain particular instances, the coupling mechanism includes aclasping mechanism. Accordingly, the top and bottom member portions mayinclude a clasping mechanism, which clasping mechanism is configured forcoupling the top and bottom members together such as to form a liquidproof seal thereby. The clasping mechanism may be any suitable claspingmechanism, such as that described in corresponding U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/272,156, hereby incorporated in its entirety byreference. For instance, the top and bottom member may includeindividual clasping members that are capable of interacting with oneanother in such a manner so as to couple the top and bottom memberportions together, e.g., in a waterproof and/or shockproof manner. Insuch an instance, the top member portion may include a first claspingmember, and the bottom member portion may include a second claspingmember, wherein the first and second clasping members are configured forinteracting with one another in such a manner so as to couple the topand bottom member portions together.

In certain embodiments, a third member, e.g., a locking element, may beprovided and the top and bottom members may be configured forinteracting with the third member, e.g., locking element, so as tocouple the top and bottom members together in a waterproof seal. Forexample, a locking element may be provided as part of the claspingmechanism wherein the locking element is configured for assisting theclasping members of the top and bottom member portions to coupletogether and thereby function to lock the top and bottom member portionsinto place. In certain instances, as described below, the lockingelement may be one or more slide members, comb members, wedge members,bolt and nut members, ball and joint members, hinge members, externalclasping and/or latching members, and/or the like. In certain instances,the third, e.g., locking, member may include one or more elements and/ormay be employed in lieu of the first and second clasping members.

In certain instances, as indicated above, the top member portion mayinclude a clasping member, e.g., a first clasping member, and the bottommember portion may include a corresponding clasping member, e.g., asecond clasping member. In one instance, the corresponding claspingmembers of the top and bottom member portions are configured forinteracting with one another in such a manner so as to securely couplethe top and bottom member portions together so as to thereby form asecured liquidproof and/or shockproof housing. For instance, theclasping members of the top and bottom member may be configured forengaging one another in such a manner as to couple each other togetherand thereby produce a liquid and/or shockproof seal between the top andbottom members.

Hence, in various instances, a housing of the disclosure may include atleast a top portion and a bottom portion which portions may form a topand a bottom member, wherein the top and bottom members may be twoportions of the same member or separate individual members. One or bothof the top and bottom members of the housing may include a front and aback surface member surrounded by a periphery or perimeter portion. Incertain instances, however, a top or bottom member may simply include aperiphery, e.g., a perimeter portion, wherein a front and back surfacemember of the top or bottom member is not included or providedseparately as a distinct element of its own. In any instance, however, aperimeter portion is included. The periphery, e.g., perimeter portion,may be defined by a proximal and a distal end portion as well asopposing side portions. The peripheral portion may include a pluralityof perimeter portions, such as an interior, middle, and/or an exteriorperimeter portion, as described herein below.

Accordingly, in one aspect, a protective housing for an electronicdevice, such as an electronic device having a touch-sensitive display isprovided. Such an electronic device may be a tablet computing device,such as: a tablet computer, mobile telephone, electronic reader,personal digital assistant, pager, electronic/digital camera, or thelike. Where the housing is intended to house an electronic device havinga touch-sensitive display, the touch-sensitive display may be a screen,such as an interactive touch-sensitive display screen, e.g., aninteractive flat panel touch sensitive control display screen, forinstance, a display screen having capacitive and/or tactile inputcapabilities, or the touch-sensitive display may be a holographicrepresentation of a screen or a portion thereof, which representation issensitive to touch or the appearance of touch.

The protective housing may at least include a top and bottom memberportions, such as wherein at least the bottom member portion isconfigured to house, frame, hold, or otherwise contain at least a firstportion of the electronic device, e.g., a bottom portion of theelectronic device. The protective housing may additionally include a topmember portion, which top member portion is configured to house, frame,hold or otherwise contain at least a second portion of the electronicdevice, e.g., a top portion of the electronic device, such as theportion of the electronic device having the touch-sensitive electronicdisplay. It is to be understood that although the touch-sensitivedisplay is described presently as being positioned on a top portion ofthe electronic device, the touch sensitive display may be included in abottom portion of the electronic device, with the corresponding changesbeing made to the protective housing to accommodate such aconfiguration. Hence, the top and/or bottom member of the protectivehousing may have an inner edge to frame at least a portion of thetouch-sensitive display, such as to allow touch access to the portion ofthe touch-sensitive display. Such touch access may be direct or indirecttouch access unless the context dictates otherwise.

Where such a touch-sensitive display is provided as part of anelectronic device, e.g., a tablet computing device, the peripheralportion of the top and/or bottom member (dependent upon where thetouch-sensitive display interface(s) is positioned in or on theelectronic device) of the housing may be configured for interfacing withthe touch-sensitive display and/or edges of the electronic device to behoused. Hence, in certain embodiments, the peripheral portion of the topand/or bottom member may be configured in such a manner that a topand/or bottom member front and back surface member is not necessary.Rather, a portion of the touch-sensitive display of the electronicdevice, e.g., a screen portion, or other top or bottom portion of theelectronic device, may serve the function of a top and/or bottom memberfront and back surface member and the top and/or bottom peripheralportion creates a liquidproof and/or shockproof seal therewith. Thus, atop or bottom member of the housing may be configured such that aperipheral portion thereof interfaces with the back surface and/or edgesof the electronic device to be housed in such a manner that a top and/orbottom member front and back surface member is not necessary. Rather, asurface of the electronic device itself serves this function and the topand/or bottom peripheral portion creates a liquidproof and/or shockproofseal therewith and may further provides shockproof protection for thedevice.

The protective housing may additionally include one or more couplingmechanisms that is configured to couple the top member with the bottommember so as to house the first and second portions, e.g., bottom andtop portions, of the electronic device. In various instances, thecoupling mechanism functions to seal the top member with the bottommember, and may further function to seal the inner edge of the top orbottom member with a region proximate at least the portion of thetouch-sensitive display (such as where a front and back surface memberof a top or bottom member is not provided.

Accordingly, in certain instances, the coupling mechanism may include afirst seal between a top member and a bottom member, which first sealmay be configured to provide at least a first liquid and/or shock proofseal between the outer periphery of the top member and the bottom membersuch as when the top member is coupled with the bottom member. Invarious particular instances, the first seal is provided proximate anouter periphery of one or both the top member and the bottom member.

In certain instances, the coupling mechanism may include a second seal,for instance, between the inner edge of a top and/or bottom member and aregion proximate at least a portion of the top or bottom of theelectronic device to be housed, such as a portion containing atouch-sensitive display. For instance, such a second seal may beprovided where the top and/or bottom member is configured as merely aframe surrounding a portion, such as a touch-sensitive display, of a topand/or bottom portion of an electronic device. In certain instances,this second seal may be configured to provide a second liquid and/orshock resistant seal, such as between the inner edge of the top and/orbottom member and the region proximate at least the portion of the topor bottom member containing a touch-sensitive display, when the topmember is coupled with the bottom member. In such an instance, theprotective housing may additionally include a flexible ridge, such as awiper portion, that is proximate an inner edge of the top or bottommember, which wiper portion may function to interface with the top orbottom portion of the electronic device at the interior interface wherethe top and/or bottom member frame the electronic device in such amanner to prevent liquid or particulate matter from substantiallyintruding upon said interface.

In certain instances, the coupling mechanism may include one or moreclasping mechanisms, such as a latching mechanism, which latchingmechanism(s) may function to latch a portion of the top member with aportion of the bottom member when the top member is coupled with thebottom member. A suitable clasping mechanism may have any suitableconfiguration so long as it functions to facilitate the coupling of thetop member portion with the bottom member portion of the housing.Accordingly, in various instances, the clasping mechanism may includeone or a plurality of latching mechanisms that are configured forfunctioning independently by themselves or cooperatively in conjunctionwith one another so as to couple the top member with the bottom member.

A latching mechanism of the protective housing may be positionedanywhere along a top and/or bottom member of the housing so long as itis possible of performing its function of facilitating the coupling of atop member portion with a bottom member portion. In one embodiment, afirst and a second latching mechanisms are provided, wherein the firstlatching mechanism is provided at a periphery, e.g., an outer periphery,of the bottom member; and a second latching mechanism is provided at acorresponding periphery, e.g., an outer periphery, of the top member.The first and second latching mechanisms may be configured to engage oneanother in a manner sufficient to clasp or latch or otherwise couple thetop member with the bottom member when the top member is coupled withthe bottom member.

For instance, the top and bottom members may include respective claspingmembers, e.g., first and second latching mechanisms, that extend alongat least a portion of the perimeter of the top and/or bottom member,which clasping members are configured for interfacing with one anotherand/or an additional, e.g., third locking member, in such a manner so asto facilitate the coupling of the top and bottom members of the housingwith one another thereby sealing the housing, such as in a liquidproofand/or shockproof seal. In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanismcircumscribes the entire perimeter portion of the housing. In otherembodiments, the clasping mechanism is positioned along a perimeterportion of the housing but does not circumscribe the entire perimeterportion.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism is an entirely internallatching mechanism. By “entirely internal latching mechanism” is meantthat the latching mechanism is entirely contained within the bounds thatform an interior or cavity of the housing when the top and bottommembers are coupled together so as to form the housing. In certainembodiments, the clasping mechanism is an entirely external latchingmechanism. By “entirely external latching mechanism” is meant that thelatching mechanism is positioned entirely on an exterior portion of thetop and/or bottom member such that when the top and bottom members arecoupled together so as to form the cavity of the housing into which theelectronic device is fitted, the clasping mechanism is positionedexteriorly to the bounds that form the cavity of the housing. In certainembodiments, the clasping mechanism is a hybrid clasping mechanism thatis partially internal and partially external to the bounds that form thecavity of the housing.

Accordingly, in certain instances, the peripheral portion may includeone or more clasping mechanisms, such as internal, external, and/orhybrid latching mechanisms that are configured so as to secure thecoupling and/or sealing of the top and bottom members together. Theclasping mechanisms may be separate elements added on to the peripheralportion of the housing, e.g., where the clasping mechanism is anexternal latching mechanism; or may be an integral member therewith,e.g., where the clasping mechanism is an internal latching mechanism; ormay include elements that are integral with the perimeter portion of thetop and bottom members and include elements that are not integraltherewith but added thereto to interact therewith, e.g., where theclasping mechanism is a hybrid clasping mechanism.

Hence, in certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism may include aplurality of latching mechanisms and may include one or more internaland/or one or more external and/or one or more hybrid latchingmechanisms. For instance, in various embodiments, the housing mayinclude a plurality of internal latching mechanisms and/or may includeone or more external and/or hybrid latching mechanisms. For example, thehousing may include a first entirely internal clasping mechanism, e.g.,one that circumscribes a portion or an entire perimeter of the interiorof the housing; and may include a second entirely internal claspingmechanism, e.g., a second internal clasping mechanism that circumscribesan additional portion or entire perimeter of the interior of thehousing. A further, external or hybrid clasping mechanism may also beprovided to more securely couple the top and bottom members together.

In other embodiments, only a single clasping mechanism is provided. Forinstance, in various embodiments, a single internal, external, or hybridclasping mechanism may be provided. For instance, in certainembodiments, a single internal clasping mechanisms may be provided,wherein the clasping mechanism includes a plurality of latchingmechanisms. The latching mechanisms are configured such that when thetop and bottom members are coupled together a liquidproof seal isprovided thereby which seal protects an encased device or componentsthereof from liquid, such as water. In some embodiments, an externallocking element may also be included, which locking element interactswith the internal clasping mechanism to firmly lock the top and bottommembers together.

As indicated above, the top and bottom members of the housing at leastinclude a peripheral portion and may or may not include a front and aback surface member that is surrounded by the peripheral portion. Theperipheral portion of the top and bottom member may include a pluralityof perimeter portions, such as an interior, middle, and/or an exteriorperimeter portion. The peripheral portion therefore may include amultiplicity of various features and perform a multiplicity of variousfunctions. For instance, one or more of an interior, middle, and/orexterior perimeter portions may be included, one or more of which may befabricated from the same or different materials and/or otherwise beconfigured for giving the distinct peripheral portions additionalfunctionality. For example, the exterior perimeter portion may beconfigured in such a manner that it provides the top or bottom memberwith a soft outer edge with respect to a stiffer, more rigid middleperimeter portion. Further, the interior perimeter portion may beconfigured in such a manner that it provides the top or bottom memberwith a soft inner edge with respect to a stiffer, more rigid middleperimeter portion. As described in greater detail below, one or more ofthese softer edge perimeter portions may give the top or bottom memberadditional functionality, such as shockproof ability and/orliquidproofability.

One or more of the perimeter portions of a top or bottom member mayinclude one or more further elements, such as portions of a claspingmechanism. For instance, where the perimeter portion includes a stiff,rigid member, e.g., surrounded by one or a plurality of softer, pliableinterior and/or outer edge members, the stiff rigid member may beconfigured to include one or a plurality of latching mechanisms, whichlatching mechanisms collectively form the clasping mechanism(s) of thedisclosure. A suitable latching mechanism may include one or a pluralityof latching members. A latching member may have any suitableconfiguration so long as it is capable of interacting with one or morecorresponding latching members on the opposing top or bottom member andthereby facilitating the coupling of the top and bottom memberstogether, such as in a liquidproof and/or shockproof sealing.

For example, the protective housing may include a clasping mechanismpositioned on the peripheral portion of the top and bottom member. Theclasping mechanism may include a first and/or a second, and/or morelatching mechanism that may be internal, external, or hybrid latchingmechanisms. In certain instances, a latching mechanism is providedwherein the latching mechanism includes a plurality of latching members,such as a first and a second latching members. In various embodiments, afirst latching member of the first latching mechanism may be positionedon a bottom member and a second latching member of the first latchingmechanism may be positioned on a top member of the housing. The firstand second latching members may be configured for engaging one anotherin a manner sufficient to couple the top and bottom members togetherthereby forming the housing. The latching members may be positioned atan interior or exterior portion of the peripheral member, such as at aninterior, middle, or exterior perimeter portion, and may further forminternal, external, or hybrid latching mechanisms.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the housing includes a firstclasping mechanism having a first internal latching mechanism wherein afirst latching member of the first latching mechanism includes a firstwall extending up from the outer peripheral portion of the bottommember. The extended first wall of the bottom member includes an outerface, e.g., a face abutting an exterior perimeter portion of theperipheral member, and an inner face, e.g., a face proximate to aninterior portion of the peripheral member. The inner face of the firstextended wall of the bottom member may include a first latching element,such as a catch, a ridge, a groove, a detent, an opening, an extendedprotrusion, a tab, a tooth, or the like that is configured for engaginga corresponding second latching element of a corresponding element of atop member of the housing. In one particular embodiment, the inner faceincludes a ridge or groove that protrudes inwardly along at least aportion of the inner face of the first wall of the bottom member.

The first latching mechanism additionally includes a second latchingmember wherein the second latching member includes a second wallextending down from the outer peripheral portion of the top member. Theextended wall of the top member includes an outer face, e.g., a faceproximate to an exterior perimeter portion of the peripheral member, andan inner face, e.g., a face proximate to an interior portion of theperipheral member. The inner face of the extended wall of the top membermay include a first latching element, such as a catch, a ridge, agroove, a detent, an opening, an extend protrusion, a tab, a tooth, orthe like. In one embodiment, the inner face includes a ridge or extendedprotrusion, e.g., a catch that protrudes outwardly along at least aportion of the inner face of the wall of the top member to engage withthe first ridge or groove of the first latching member of the bottommember when the top member is latched with the bottom member.

In various instances, the protective housing includes an additional,e.g., a second latching mechanism, which second latching mechanism maybe internal or external to the first latching mechanism. For instance,in certain embodiments, the second latching mechanism may include asecond internal latching mechanism that is positioned near the firstinternal latching mechanism. The second internal latching mechanism mayinclude a third latching member, such as on the bottom member, which maybe positioned near the first latching member of the first internallatching mechanism; and the second internal latching mechanism mayinclude a fourth latching member, such as on the top member, which maybe positioned near the second latching member of the second latchingmechanism, where the third and fourth latching members are configured toengage with one another so as to further latch the top member with thebottom member when the top member is coupled with the bottom member.

For instance, in one particular embodiment, the third latching member ofthe second latching mechanism includes a second wall extending up froman outer peripheral portion of the bottom member and distanced from thefirst extended wall of the outer peripheral portion of the bottommember. The second wall is spaced apart from the first wall so as toform a first channel along at least a portion of the peripheral portionof the bottom member. The extended second wall of the bottom memberincludes an outer face, e.g., the face closest to but spaced apart fromthe interior face of the first wall, and an inner face, e.g., a faceproximate to an interior portion of the housing. The second extendedwall of the bottom member may also include a latching element, such as acatch, a ridge, a groove, a detent, an opening, an extended protrusion,a tab, a tooth, or the like that is configured for engaging acorresponding latching element of a corresponding element of a topmember of the housing. In one particular embodiment, the third latchingmember includes a plurality of detents or apertures spaced apart in thesecond wall. The fourth latching member may also include a latchingelement, such as a catch, a ridge, a groove, a detent, an opening, anextended protrusion, a tab, a tooth, or the like that is configured forengaging a corresponding latching element of a corresponding element ofthe bottom member of the housing. In this embodiment, fourth latchingmember may include a plurality of tabs or teeth that protrude from theinward face of the second wall extending down from the periphery of thetop member. Each of the plurality of tabs or teeth are configured toengage with corresponding detents or apertures of the plurality ofdetents of the third latching mechanism when the top member is coupledand latched with the bottom member.

In various instances, one or both of the top and bottom members mayinclude a channel, such as a channel that extends along either theentire or a portion of the peripheral portion of the top and/or bottommember. If included, a channel running along a peripheral portion of atop or bottom member may include an interior perimeter portion, e.g., aninterior bounding member, and an exterior perimeter portion, e.g., anexterior bounding member, which bounding members at least partiallydefine the bounds of the channel. The channel may further be configuredto include a sealing member, such as a gasket member or O-ring or thelike. In various instances, the function of the channel is to house asealing member. However, in some instances, a channel is not included.Rather, a sealing member, such as a gasket, is coupled or integrallymolded directly with the top or bottom member. Hence, a peripheralportion of a top or bottom member may additionally include a sealingmember, or other suitable gasket or foam sealing member, such as anO-ring or other form in place gasket, such that when the top member iscoupled to the bottom member a liquidproof and/or dust proof seal isformed. The sealing member, e.g., gasket member, may circumscribe theentire perimeter or a portion thereof. In certain instances, it isparticularly useful to have the gasket circumscribe the entire perimeterportion of the top or bottom member.

Accordingly, in various instances, a protective housing of thedisclosure may include a first gasket, such as a gasket disposed in afirst channel such as a channel that is formed from the extended firstand second walls of the bottom member. The gasket may be positioned soas to abut the first wall that extends down from the periphery of thetop member when the top member is latched with the bottom member. Thefirst gasket may be configured so as to provide a first water resistantseal between the top member and the bottom member when the top member iscoupled with the bottom member.

In various other instances, the protective housing may additionally beconfigured to include a second gasket, which gasket may be coupled tothe housing in any suitable manner. For instance, the housing, such as atop member of the housing may be configured to include a second channel,which second channel may be adapted to include the second gasket. Forexample, a top member of the protective housing may be adapted toinclude a second channel, such as a channel that is positioned proximatean inner edge of the peripheral portion. The second gasket in the secondchannel may function to provide a second seal for the housing. Thesecond gasket may be disposed in the second channel in such a manner soas to abut a region proximate at least a portion of a touch-sensitivedisplay when the top member is coupled with the bottom member around anelectronic device having a touch-sensitive display. Like the firstgasket, the second gasket may be adapted to provide a second liquidand/or dust resistant seal between the top member and the bottom memberwhen the top member is coupled with the bottom member.

It is to be understood that although the clasping mechanism of thecoupling mechanism has been described with respect to various particularembodiments, said embodiments are exemplary and not meant to becritically limiting. Accordingly, in various instances, the claspingmechanism includes one or more of a bolt, a screw, a nut, a ratchet, asnap, a button, a ball-and-socket connector, a ridge, a protrusion, adetent, a concave region, a convex region, a groove, an opening, anaperture, a hole, a tab, a tooth, a tang, a mushroom snap, or the likeor a combination of the same. Hence, in various particular instances, asuitable clasping mechanism may include a ledge member, a catch, agroove, a tooth, an aperture, a snap-tooth member, a snap toothreceiving member, an interdigitated member, a wedge, and the like. Moreparticularly, where a top or a bottom member includes a tab, a tooth, ora snap-tooth member, for instance, the opposing member may include adetent, an aperture, an opening, a snap-tooth receiving member, andwhere the top and bottom members include interdigitating members, thesemembers may be configured for interdigitating with one another and mayfurther be configured for being locked in place by a suitable lockingelement, such as a wedge member.

Hence, in various instances, the corresponding latching members of thetop and bottom members may be configured for engaging a third member,e.g., a locking element, which locking element functions to further lockthe coupled top and bottom members together. In one embodiment, theclasping members of the top and bottom member are capable ofinterlocking with one another and the third locking element furtherengages these clasping members to more firmly lock them in place; and inanother embodiment, the clasping members of the top and bottom memberare configured for being interdigitated with one another and the lockingmember is configured for being inserted between the interdigitations ofthe top and bottom members to thereby firmly lock the top and bottommembers securely into place.

As indicated above, in various embodiments, a top or bottom member mayor may not include a top and/or bottom surface member. For instance, insome instances, the top and/or bottom member need not include a surfacemember that spans from one side of the peripheral portion to the other.Rather, the peripheral perimeter portions are specifically configured toengage the various surfaces of the device to be housed in such a mannerthat by such engagement with the peripheral perimeter portions theunderlying device is made liquidproof and/or shockproof.

In such instances, a top and/or bottom surface member is not required asthe peripheral portion may be configured for interfacing with the deviceitself to generate a liquidproof and/or shockproof seal, albeit, a topand/or bottom surface member may be included if desired. Accordingly, invarious embodiments, a top and/or bottom surface member is not providedin conjunction with a top and/or bottom member, rather a sole peripheralportion(s) is provided.

For example, in one particular embodiment, a housing is provided whereinthe housing includes a top member portion and a bottom member portionwherein the bottom member portion may include a peripheral portion orinner edge that is configured to frame at least a portion of a backsurface of an electronic device to be housed opposite a touch-sensitivedisplay of the device so to allow touch access to the back surface. Insuch an instance, the coupling mechanism may be configured to seal theinner edge of the bottom member with a region proximate at least theportion of the back surface of the electronic device. Such aconfiguration is useful, such as where a back portion of an electronicdevice includes a touch feature, such as a touch-sensitive display. Insuch an instance, the coupling mechanism may be configured to include anadditional seal between the inner edge of the bottom member and theregion proximate at least the portion of the back surface of theelectronic device. It is to be noted that although the forgoing wasdescribed with respect to a bottom member of the housing, the same isequally applicable with respect to a top member of the housing as hereindescribed throughout the disclosure.

In other various embodiments, one or more top and/or bottom surfacemembers are provided in conjunction with a top and/or bottom peripheralportion. For instance, in various embodiments, one or both of the topand bottom members may include front and back surface members spanningfrom one side of the peripheral portion to the other, left to rightand/or proximal to distal. In such an instance, the front and backsurface member of the top and/or bottom member of the housing may befabricated from any suitable material and may be co-extensive with theperimeter portion or adjoined or otherwise attached therewith, asdescribed in greater detail herein below.

For example, in one particular embodiment, the top member may include afront and back surface member that is comprised of a transparentmembrane that is separate from the peripheral portion but capable ofbeing coupled therewith, and/or the bottom member may include a frontand back surface member that is comprised of a clear or opaquepolycarbonate or nylon screen that may be separate from the peripheralportion but capable of being coupled therewith or it may be of one unitsuch that the same member that forms the front and back surface memberalso forms at least a portion of the peripheral member. Hence, a topand/or bottom front and back surface member may be fabricated from thesame materials and may therefore be co-extensive with one or moreportions of the perimeter portion. Of course, the front and back surfacemember of the bottom and/or top member may be made from a differentmaterial than the perimeter portions with which it is adjoined.

Where a top and/or bottom member includes a front and back surfacemember, e.g., spanning from one portion of the peripheral portion to theother, the top or bottom member may include a membrane, such as amembrane that is configured for interfacing with a touch sensitiveinteractive display, e.g., a touch screen, of an housed device in such amanner that when a user touches the membrane one or more characteristicsof that touch are transferred to the touch-sensitive display of theunderlying device, and in this manner a user is able to manipulate thescreen of the housed device. Obviously, where a front and back surfacemember is not included, the user would be interacting directly with thetouch-sensitive display of the underlying device or an attached coverthereof.

Accordingly, as described herein below, one or more membranes orportions thereof may be included herein as part of the front and/or backsurface of the top or bottom member, or a front and/or back surface neednot be provided as apart of the top and/or bottom member. If a front andback surface member, such as a membrane, is included as part of a top orbottom member, the membrane should be configured for interfacing with aperimeter portion of the peripheral member. In such an instance, themembrane portion may be configured so as to be coupled with theperimeter portion, such as an inner and/or outer perimeter portion, ofthe top or bottom member in such a manner as to maintain a liquidproofand/or shockproof and/or dirt proof seal therewith.

For instance, the peripheral portion of a top and/or bottom member, suchas a peripheral portion of a top member, may include a plurality ofsub-portions, such as a first sub-portion, e.g., an interior perimeterportion, that includes an interior membrane interfacing portion, and asecond sub-portion, e.g., an exterior perimeter portion, that includesan exterior membrane interfacing portion, which one or more interfacingportions may be configured for interfacing with a front and/or backsurface of a perimeter portion of the membrane.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, where a front and back surfacemember, e.g., a membrane, is provided, the membrane may be configuredsuch that it spans from one side of the perimeter, e.g., of a top orbottom member, to another side of the perimeter in such a manner thatthe back surface of the membrane associates with at least the interiormembrane interfacing portion of the interior perimeter portion, and thefront surface of the membrane associates with the exterior membraneinterfacing portion of the outer perimeter portion. Of course, where thefront and back surface member is made of the same material as at least aportion of the perimeter portion, such as with respect to a bottommember, the front and back surface member may be coextensive with theperimeter portion and therefore form a single, solitary unit.

Hence, in various embodiments, included with a peripheral portion of atop or bottom member peripheral portion of the protective housing is aremovable front and back surface member. For instance, in certainembodiments, a front and back surface member is provided wherein thefront and back surface member is configured for removably associatingwith an associated peripheral member. It is to be noted, that where theperipheral member is configured for producing a liquidproof and/orshockproof and/or dirtproof seal in association with another peripheralmember or the device itself, the inclusion or exclusion of the front andback surface member does not affect the patency of the liquidproofand/or shockproof and/or dirtproof seal of the associated peripheralmember.

In one embodiment, a front and back surface member is provided, such asto be removably associated with a peripheral portion, such as a topmember peripheral portion, wherein the front and back surface member isconfigured as a removable membrane. It is understood that although themembrane is described as being capable of removable association with theperipheral portion, in certain instances, the membrane may be configuredfor fixed association with one or more portions of the peripheralportion, such as through overmolding therewith.

Where a membrane is provided, such as for association with a top member,the membrane may be adapted for fixed placement on or at least adjacentto at least a portion of the touch-sensitive display. In such aninstance the membrane may extend over the region proximate at least aportion of the touch sensitive display to associate with and in certaininstances seal against the inner edge, e.g., interior perimeter portion,of the top member when the top member is coupled with the bottom member.Accordingly, in certain instances, a removable membrane for fixedplacement on a region of the electronic device is provided wherein theremovable membrane is adapted to be framed and sealed by the top memberand/or the bottom member such as when the top member is coupled with thebottom member. In various instances, the membrane may be at leastpartially translucent and may include one or more indicia printed on asurface of the removable membrane, such as for alignment purposes.

Where a membrane is included the membrane may have one or more features,such as additional membrane features, for instance, an acoustic membranefeature and/or a home button feature. For example, the membrane mayinclude an acoustic membrane feature, which acoustic membrane featuremay include an aperture spanning from the front to the back surface ofthe membrane. The aperture may be covered by a second membrane, such asan acoustically transmissive membrane that is offset from the firstmembrane. The acoustic membrane may be permeable to sound butimpermeable to liquid, such as water, and/or dust, and dirt, and thelike, and it may be offset from the first membrane by any suitableelement, such as by the addition of a spacer member or an adhesivelayer. Accordingly, the two or more membranes may be attached to oneanother via a suitable adhesive.

The front and back surface membrane may additionally include a buttonfeature. The button feature may include an indented region. The indentedregion may simply be an indented region in the first membrane or it maybe a cut-out region that has been overlaid with an additional material,such as an additional membrane. In various instances, the indentedregion is at least partially circumscribed by a ridge region. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the perimeter portion of the button featuremay include a raised deformable perimeter portion that surrounds theindented region. The raised deformable perimeter portion may beconfigured so as to allow a measure of travel for the indented region ofthe button feature such that when the indented region is depressed theraised portion is deformed thereby allowing the indented region totravel without causing significant stretching of the first membrane.

Hence, in certain instances, the protective housing includes a removablemembrane wherein the membrane includes at least one button region formedof a depression provided on a top surface of the removable membrane andpositioned to correspond with a position of a button on a housedelectronic device. In other instances, the removable membrane mayinclude a protrusion provided on a surface of the removable membrane,the protrusion region being positioned to correspond with a position ofa button on the electronic device.

The first membrane may also include one or more optically opaque regionsand/or optically transmissive regions, such as an optically transmissiveregion coincident with a proximity sensor or camera, e.g., video camera,portion of an underlying device meant to be housed by the housing.Additionally, as described below with respect to the bottom member, atop member front and back surface member may include a lens feature,such as a camera or video or flash lens feature.

Accordingly, in an additional embodiment, the bottom member may includea front and back surface member that includes one or more additionalfeatures. For instance, where the bottom member includes a bottom fontand back surface member, the surface member may include a lens feature,such as a feature that includes one or more lenses, for instance, acamera lens and/or a flash lens feature. The lens feature mayadditionally include an optical skirt, such as a skirt that surroundsthe one or more lenses and prevents the transmission of light therethrough from one lens region to the other lens region. The lens featuremay be coextensive with the back surface member or may be adjoinedthereto such as through pressing, molding, and the like.

As described above, in various instances, a top and bottom memberperipheral portion is provided. The top and bottom member peripheralportions may from a frame that circumscribes at least a portion of anelectronic device and may be configured for interfacing with theelectronic device and/or one another so as to form a liquidproof and/orshockproof and/or dirtproof seal therewith. In various instances, afront and back surface member may be associated with either or both ofthe top and bottom peripheral member, such as in a removable or fixedassociation. For instance, in certain embodiments, a front and backsurface member may be an independent unit, such as a membrane, that isconfigured for being removably coupled with the peripheral portionand/or device to be housed, such as where the top member is simply aperipheral frame that frames the electronic device; and in certainembodiments, the front and back surface member may be an integral unitwith the peripheral portion, such as where the front and back surface,e.g., of a bottom member, is fabricated in conjunction with and/or fromthe same material as the peripheral portion, for example, where thefront and back surface form a single unit into which a surface, e.g., abottom surface, of the electronic device is fitted. Hence, a top orbottom member may be fabricated as a rigid frame member that includesone or both of a front and back surface member and/or a perimeterportion.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, a perimeter portion of the top orbottom member is provided either simply as an independent peripheralportion or a peripheral portion in conjunction with a front and backsurface member, wherein the peripheral portion includes a plurality ofperimeter portions. For instance, the peripheral portion may include acentral perimeter portion, e.g., composed of one material, that issurrounded by an interior and/or exterior perimeter portion, wherein theinterior and/or exterior perimeter portions may be composed of the samematerial or different materials and/or may serve the same or differentfunctions as the middle perimeter portion. For example, in certaininstances, the middle perimeter portion may be composed of a rigid orsemi-rigid frame material, such as a material that is coextensive with acorresponding front and back surface member, and an interior and/orexterior perimeter portion may be coupled therewith, such as where aflexible interior and/or exterior perimeter portions are to the morerigid middle perimeter portion. In such an instance, the more flexibleperimeter portions may be configured for providing shock absorbance tothe housing as a whole, e.g., both interiorly and exteriorly, and/or themore rigid middle perimeter portion may be configured for providing afirm, rigid or semi-rigid backbone and structure to the top or bottommember.

In a further instance, a peripheral portion, such as a distal endportion, may include a latch feature, for instance, a latch feature forenclosing an opening, such as a port opening. The latch feature mayinclude corresponding lower latch interfaces, a latch, and correspondingupper latch interfaces, such that the latch is configured for movingfrom a closed position surrounding an opening, wherein the latch is incontact with both the lower and upper latch interfaces, to an openposition, wherein the latch is in contact with only one of the lower orupper latch interfaces and the opening is exposed. In certain instances,that latch feature may be positioned entirely on a top or bottom member,and in other instances, portions of the latch feature are included onboth top and bottom members. In various embodiments, the latch featureis liquid-proof and/or dust-proof and may include a gasket so as toprovide a liquid and/or dust proof seal when the latch is in the closedposition. In certain embodiments, the latch cover itself includes anopening that itself includes a separate, independent latch cover and/orgasket.

In another instance, the perimeter portion, such as a distal or proximalend portion, may include one or more acoustic vent features fortransmitting and/or channeling sound. For instance, an acoustic ventfeature may include a sound channel having a liquidproof but soundpermeable acoustic vent material positioned therein. The acoustic ventmaterial may span the sound channel at an angle from 0 to 180 degrees ina forward or reverse direction. The sound channel may extend from anexterior portion of the peripheral member to an interior portion of theperipheral member so as to permit the ingress and egress of soundtherethrough but substantially prevent the transmission of liquid, suchas water there through. The acoustic vent material may transect thesound channel, e.g., at an angle with respect to a centerlinetherethrough, so as to prevent the ingress (or egress) of watertherethrough.

In one instance, the peripheral portion, such as one of the opposingside portions, may include a button, toggle, or switch feature forengaging a corresponding button, toggle, or switch mechanism of a houseddevice. The switch feature may include a switch housing(s) and one ormore actuators having switch interface(s). The switch feature mayadditionally include one or more rotating members configured for beingcoupled to the switch housing(s) and/or the switch interface and adaptedfor converting rotation motion into lateral motion thereby actuating acorresponding switch of a housed device, such as a view orientationswitch of a housed device. The switch feature may be configured suchthat as an actuator moves, such as rotates about a centerline, from afirst position to a second position within the switch housing, theswitch interface causes the switch of a housed device to move, e.g.,laterally, from a first to a second position, such as from an “on” to an“off” position, or from one “orientation” to another “orientation”.

Additionally, the perimeter portion may include one or more other switchor button or toggle features, such as one or more volume controlbuttons. Such button-like features may have any suitable configurationso long as the button-like feature is capable of interfacing with one ormore buttons present on an underlying housed device. For instance, arepresentative button feature may have a two-part configuration, such asa perimeter portion user interface, and an interior portion button orswitch interface. For example, such a button switch feature could beincluded so as to manipulate the sound emitted from an encased device.Where included as part of a peripheral portion, a perimeter portion ofthe top or bottom member, such as a rigid or semi-rigid frame perimetermember, may have an opening into which a switch or button feature ispositioned, and the frame member and/or corresponding switch or buttoncomponents may then be covered by additional perimeter portions, such ascovered by more flexible interior and/or exterior perimeter portions ina substantially liquid and/or shockproof manner.

In another embodiment, an outer perimeter portion of the peripheralmember may include a slot feature, such as a tool or coin slot feature,for assisting in separating the top member of the housing from thebottom member of the housing. The slot feature may include an indentedor cut out portion of the peripheral portion. The cut out portion may bepositioned in one or both of the top and bottom members at one or aplurality of locations. Accordingly, the cut out portion may bepositioned on a top and/or bottom portion and may further be bounded byone or a plurality of overhang regions, which overhang region may bepositioned in one or both of the top and bottom members thereby boundingthe cut out portion. For instance, in one embodiment, the top memberincludes the cutout portion, and both the top and bottom member includecorresponding overhang portions.

In a further embodiment, the peripheral portion or a front and backsurface member may include a noise cancelling feature for assisting inthe cancelling of ambient noise. The noise cancelling feature mayinclude one or more of an aperture, e.g., positioned in one or both ofthe top and bottom member, an acoustic membrane, and/or a sound guidechannel. The sound guide channel may traverse from the exterior of thehousing to the interior of the housing and may be configured fordirecting sound from the aperture toward a noise cancelling feature,such as a microphone, present on a housed electronic device. The soundchannel may be intersected by an acoustic membrane feature, whichacoustic membrane may be positioned so as to intersect the sound guidechannel at an angle with respect to a centerline therethrough. Incertain embodiments, the acoustic membrane is transmissive for gas,e.g., sound waves, but not substantially permeable to liquid, dirt,dust, and the like.

In one embodiment, a perimeter portion of a front and back surfaceportion may include an additional sound transmission portion. The soundtransmission portion may have any suitable configuration so long as itis capable of allowing sound to pass through the bounds of the housing,such as from an interior to an exterior of the housing (or vice versa),but not allowing liquid, such as water, or dust or dirt, tosubstantially pass therethrough. For instance, the sound transmissionportion may include one or more apertures, which apertures pass throughthe peripheral or surface portion from the interior to the exterior ofthe housing. The one or more apertures may further include a soundtransmissive membrane, such as a Gore-Tex™ membrane, which membranecovers the aperture thereby allowing sound to pass through but notliquid or dirt or dust, and the like. The sound transmissive, liquidimpermeable membrane may be attached to the housing component in anysuitable manner, such as via adhesive, molding, overmolding, and thelike. If desired, the sound transmission portion may additionallyinclude a sound, e.g., echo, blocking member that surrounds at least aportion of the sound transmission portion thereby isolating the soundtransmission portion positioned within the interior of the housing fromthe remainder of the interior of the housing. Such a blocking member maybe a separate member, such as a gasket, that is coupled to the housingor it may be formed integral with the housing so as to surround at leasta portion of the aperture and prevent the internal transmission ofsound. Where the echo blocking element is a separate member, such as agasket, to be added to the housing so as to circumscribe the soundinlet/outlet feature, the housing component to which the gasket is to beadded may include a preformed member, such as a gasket seat, that isconfigured for accommodating and/or facilitating the functioning of theecho blocking member.

In an additional embodiment, the peripheral portion may include a portfeature such as a headphone port feature, for instance, for receivingeither a jack (such as a jack of a headphone or speaker assembly) or aclosure device or the like. The port feature may include an aperturepositioned in one or both of the top and/or bottom members. The apertureextends from the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing.The aperture may be bounded by one or both of a gasket, such as anO-ring, and a threaded or cammed region, which threaded or cammed regionmay be configured for receiving a corresponding threaded or cammedregion present on either the jack or the closure device to be insertedtherein. The threaded region may be configured as a typical threadfeature or may be configured as a cam feature, plug, or the like. Invarious embodiments, such a port and closure feature may be positionedon one or more latch door features, as described above, so as to allowaccess to an underlying sound port that is covered by a latch door (asdescribed above).

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a protective housing of thedisclosure includes one or more electrical interconnection ports, suchas a charge port, headphone port, USB port, SIM port, disk drive port,memory card port, and the like. In various the one or more electricalinterconnection ports includes a sealing member, such as a plug, a bung,a latch door, a latch door that itself has an aperture that is closablevia another sealing member, etc. In particular instances, the sealingmember includes a water-resistant feature like a gasket, such as anO-ring, so as to provide a liquid resistant sealing of the electricalinterconnection port.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the housing includes an electricalinterconnection ports that is configured as a data and charge port,wherein the sealing member includes a latching door. For instance, thedata and charge port may be through a top member, and the latching doormay be coupled to the bottom member, such as by a pivot, and may beconfigured to latch over and seal, e.g., via an attached gasket, thedata and charge port. In another embodiment, the one or more electricalinterconnection ports may include a threaded earphone jack aperture, anda sealing member that includes a threaded bung to occupy and seal thethreaded earphone jack aperture. In various embodiments, the one or moreelectrical interconnection ports may sealable by one of a number ofsealing members that may include one or more of: a latching door, aplug, a screw with a gasket, a bayonet, a sliding door, and a latchingdoor with a sealable aperture, and the like.

In various instances, a top or a bottom member may include one or moreexternal accessory ports configured for allowing one or more externalaccessories to be coupled to the housing, such as for ease of using,carrying, and/or mounting the housing. The accessory port may be one ormore openings positioned in or attached to a top or bottom member. Incertain instances, an accessory port includes two corresponding openingsin a top or bottom member, wherein the openings are aligned relative toone another such that a central line intersecting each openingintersects. Hence, the various lumens of the openings may be configuredfor form an “L” shape. In a manner such as this an accessory adapter maybe positioned in the accessory and via the adapter the housing may becoupled to one or more accessories. For example, the accessory portadapter may include two elements an accessory slide element and anaccessory locking element, where the accessory slide element includes alocking interface that is configured for being inserted into one of thelumens of one of the openings of the accessory port and adapted forengaging a corresponding locking interface of the accessory lockingelement as it is inserted into the lumen of the other accessory portopening, thereby locking the accessory slide element in place. In suchan instance, the accessory slide element may also include an accessoryconnection interface that is adapted for interfacing with a portion ofan accessory so as to couple the accessory to the housing. The accessoryto be coupled or otherwise attached to the housing may be any suitableaccessory such as a belt clip, hand mount, leg mount, hand strap, armstrap, shoulder strap, arm mount, bike mount, car mount, floatie,portrait view mount, landscape view mount, etc. Accordingly, in certainembodiments, a top or bottom member may include one or more, e.g., two,three, four, five, or more external accessory physical interconnectionsthat may be positioned on an outer surface of the top or bottom memberfor connecting the housing with an external accessory.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, a top or bottom member may includea sound transmission aperture that is overlayed with a grille feature.For instance, a member of the housing may include a speaker aperturethat allows access from the inside of the housing to the outside of thehousing so as to allow sound from a speaker portion of a housed deviceto pass through the bounds of the housing. The speaker grille may beconfigured as horizontal and/or vertical bars or a plurality of smalleropenings such as in the shape of circles or squares or the like. Thespeaker sound transmission port may additionally include a soundpassable but liquid-impermeable membrane, such as a membrane thatoverlays the speaker grille, allowing the transmission of sound but notthe substantial transmission of liquid, such as water, and/or dirtand/or dust, and the like.

In certain embodiments, a top or a bottom member may include a lensfeature, such as a feature that at least includes a camera lens and mayinclude a flash feature. For instance, a camera lens feature having acamera lens may be provided in a top member and/or bottom member of thehousing. The camera lens feature may include a lens skirt that at leastpartially surrounds a lens, e.g., an optical grade camera lens, of thehousing, so as to substantially prevent interfering light, e.g., from aflash feature, from impinging on or through the camera lens, e.g., viathe internal or external transmission of light. The optical skirt may bepositioned around the camera lens, a flash feature or both.

In certain embodiments, a top or bottom member of the housing mayinclude one or more positioning and/or securing elements that mayfunction to position and/or secure the electronic device within thehousing, especially with respect to a top and/or a bottom member. Forinstance, in one embodiment, a top or a bottom member may include one ormore internal protrusions, such as teeth, extending inward from an innersurface of the top or bottom member, e.g., an interior perimeterportion, wherein the one or more teeth are adapted to receive and/orposition and/or secure the electronic device relative to the top and/orbottom member.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the housing of the disclosure mayinclude one or more sealed actuators, switches, buttons, or toggles tooperate a corresponding one or more corresponding elements of a housedelectronic device. In various embodiments, the housing includes anactuator wherein the actuator is configured for operating acorresponding linear switch of a housed electronic device. In variousinstances, the actuator is configured for rotating from a first to asecond position and is adapted such that by said rotation a linearswitch of a housed device is actuated from a first to a second position.In certain embodiments, the switch of the housed device is a silenceswitch, an orientation switch, a control switch or know, a volume switchor knob, and the like.

In one aspect, a housing of the disclosure is a substantiallyliquidproof and/or shockproof housing, wherein the housing includes atop member portion, a bottom member portion and a coupling mechanismconfigured for coupling the two portions together so as to form thehousing. In certain instances, the top member comprises an outerperipheral portion that bounds and thereby frames a touch-sensitivedisplay of an electronic device, wherein a front and back surface memberspanning the interior bounds of the peripheral portion is not included.Rather, a liquidproof seal is generated by the peripheral portion'sinteraction with the housed device, such as a front and back surfacemember, e.g., top member membrane, is not included. In such an instance,it may be useful to include a test element or simulant that can act as asealing member for the top member that may be used in conjunction withthe housing such as to test the liquidproofability of the housing whenthe electronic device is not housed within the housing.

Accordingly, in one aspect the disclosure is directed to a simulant foruse in establishing a liquidproof seal with a top or a bottom member ofa housing, such as a top and/or bottom member of a housing as describedherein when the housing is assembled with the simulant. Hence, incertain instances, a system and/or kit is provided wherein the systemand/or kit includes a simulant and a housing wherein the simulant is tobe coupled to the housing so as to make the housing liquidproof when thesimulant is coupled to the housing, such as where the housing contains aportion that absent the simulant would allow the ingress of water intothe housing. In such a manner as this a housing for an electronicdevice, such as a housing as described herein, may be tested todetermine the liquidproofability of the housing in the absence of anelectronic device being housed within the housing. Such a simulant isuseful at least in this context because as described above the topmember in various instances of the present housing does not include afront and back surface, rather the interior portion bounded by theperipheral member is open. However, the top member is configured forproducing a liquidproof seal when the top member is coupled to theelectronic device and/or further coupled to the bottom member of thehousing. Nevertheless, it is useful to test the liquidproofability ofthis seal when the electronic device is not present so as to not put theelectronic device at risk during the testing process. In such aninstance, the simulant or mule as herein described is useful forperforming this function.

Hence, in certain embodiments, an electronic device simulant or mulehaving a plurality of dimensions, such as sealing dimensions,corresponding with the dimensions of a top member and/or an electronicdevice is provided. In various instances, the simulant functions tosimulate at least the sealing if not the entire electronic device beinghoused and thereby sealed by the top member and the bottom member suchas when the top member is coupled with the bottom member.

As described herein, in various instances, a top or bottom member doesnot include a front and back surface member. Rather, a peripheralportion is included wherein the peripheral portion is specificallyadapted so as to interact with a surface, such as an edge surface, suchas an edge surface proximate a touch-sensitive display, of theelectronic device in such a manner as to generate a substantiallyliquidproof seal therewith. In such instances, a mule, as hereindescribed is useful for testing the sealability of the front and backsurfaceless member when the top or bottom member is coupled to thecorresponding member and/or mule when the electronic device is notincluded. Additionally, in various instances, it may be useful toinclude an independent corresponding front and back surface that may bepositioned between the surfaceless top or bottom member and theelectronic device, such as at an interface where a surface, e.g., a topor bottom edge surface, of the electronic device contacts the relevanttop or bottom member. Such a stand alone membrane for use in conjunctionwith a front and back surfaceless peripheral portion of a top or bottommember and/or an electronic device may be useful for increasedprotection of a top or bottom surface of an electronic device, such as asurface containing a touch-sensitive display, when the device is housedwithin the open-faced housing.

Accordingly, in an additional aspect a membrane is provided wherein themembrane is configured for being removably coupled to one or both of atop or bottom member or an electronic device. In such an instance, themembrane may be configured as a front or back screen membrane. Forinstance, in certain embodiments, the removable membrane is adapted forfixed placement on at least the portion of a touch-sensitive display ofa housed device. In such an instance, the removable membrane may extendover a region proximate at least the portion of the touch sensitivedisplay and may further function to seal against an inner edge of thetop or bottom member such as when the top member is coupled with thebottom member. As described above, such a removable membrane mayinclude: at least one button region, such as a region formed of adepression provided on a top surface of the removable membrane andpositioned to correspond with a position of a button on the electronicdevice; and/or a protrusion provided on a surface of the removablemembrane, wherein the protrusion region is positioned to correspond witha position of a button on the electronic device. In various instances,the membrane may be fully or partially transparent and/or opaque. Forexample, in certain instances, the removable membrane may include one ormore indicia that may be formed or printed or adhered or otherwiseassociated on a surface of the removable membrane. In one embodiment,the removable membrane is adapted for fixed placement on a region of theelectronic device so as to be framed and sealed by the top member and/orthe bottom member when the top member is coupled with the bottom member.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the followingdescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with referenceto the appended drawings. Like reference symbols in the various drawingsindicate like elements.

FIGS. 1A-D provide various perspective views of the front, back, andside surfaces of a protective housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-C provide perspective views of a protective housing of thedisclosure including a front top and front bottom view.

FIGS. 3A-C provide perspective views of the top member and bottom memberof a protective housing of the disclosure including a front top andfront bottom view.

FIGS. 4A-N provide perspective views of different clasping mechanisms ofthe protective housing, including cross-sectional views of the claspingmechanism(s).

FIGS. 5A-D provide perspective views of the top front portion of aprotective housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-F provide various close up perspective views of a protectivehousing, including views of various clasping mechanisms.

FIGS. 7A-E provide perspective views of the protective housing showingvarious accessory and control features.

FIGS. 8A-B provide perspective views showing various clasping mechanismsof the protective housing.

FIGS. 9A-C provide perspective views of the protective housing showingvarious accessory and control features.

FIGS. 10A-F provide perspective views of the front portion of theprotective housing, including a latch feature and various accessory andcontrol features.

FIGS. 11A-C provide perspective views of the protective housing,including control features, accessory features, and a claspingmechanism.

FIGS. 12A-C provide perspective views of the protective housing,including accessory ports.

FIGS. 13A-E provide perspective views of a test simulant, e.g., a mulefor use in water testing a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-I provide exploded perspective views of the protective housingand its clasping mechanisms.

FIGS. 15A-D provide perspective views of the protective housing.

FIG. 15E provides a perspective view of a locking member.

FIG. 15F provides a perspective view of the proximal side of theprotective housing.

FIG. 15G-K provides perspective views of an alternate wedge-lockingversion of the top member of the protective housing.

FIG. 15L-Q provide perspective and side cutaway views of a charge portdoor and button feature of the protective housing.

FIGS. 16A-D provide perspective views of the protective housing, withand without an enclosed device.

FIGS. 17A-I provide perspective and side views of the protective housingand its snap-tooth members.

FIGS. 18A-K provide side cutaway views of snap-tooth members of theprotective housing.

FIG. 19 provides a close up perspective view of a sound transmissionportion of the protective housing.

FIG. 20 provides a close up perspective view of a switch feature of theprotective housing.

FIGS. 21A-C provide perspective views of the noise cancelling feature onthe distal end of the protective housing.

FIGS. 21D-F provide perspective views of a headphone port.

FIGS. 22A-C provide close up perspective and side cutaway views of anoise cancelling feature on the protective housing.

FIGS. 23A-B provide close up elevational views of the lens feature andoptical skirt of the protective housing.

FIGS. 24A-B provide perspective views of a protective housing having acover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein relates generally to a housing forhousing an object. It is to be understood that although the singular“object” is used herein, the term encompasses one or more objects. Theobject or objects may be any object that is capable of being fit withinthe housing and/or in need of protecting from one or more adverseenvironmental conditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage,such as damage from contacting a liquid, such as water. The housing maybe of any appropriate size and dimension so long as it is capable ofhousing the object and protecting it, for instance, from adverseenvironmental conditions and/or rough treatment. The object may be asingle object, like an electronic device, or may be a plurality ofobjects, such as components that make up an electronic device.

In various embodiments, the object may be an electronic device, such asa computer, for instance, a mobile tablet computing device, such as atablet computer, mobile telephone, an electronic reader, personaldigital assistant, or other electronic device such as a digital camera,pager, and the like. In particular embodiments, as described in detailherein below, the object is a mobile tablet computing device, such as atablet computer, mobile telephone device, or digital reader. It is to beunderstood that although the following is described with respect to aparticular embodiment, e.g., where the object is a tablet computingdevice, this is for exemplary purposes only as the object to be encasedmay be any suitable object capable of being encased within a housing,such as any mobile electronic device, e.g., scanner, reader, video game,and the like.

Accordingly, the housing may be in the form of any typical containerknown and used in the art for containing the particular object. Forexample, the container can be a housing configured for opening andclosing around the object, such as around a mobile tablet computer,mobile phone with computing functionalities, digital assistant, camera,gaming device, and the like, and thereby providing liquid and shockproofprotection therefore. So being, the housing may form any suitablecontainer meant to contain particular object and prevent it from beingdamaged due to environmental factors and/or mishandling.

In certain embodiments, the housing may form case configured for atleast partially encasing a device, such as an electronic device, forexample, a mobile tablet computer, mobile telephone, and/or electronicreader device, etc. In other instances, the housing is part of a device,such as an electronic device, which housing encases various componentsof the electronic device. For example, the housing may be the housing ofa mobile tablet computer or telephone or reader device, or otherelectronic device, that encases the electronic components of the mobiledevice (or other electronic device).

Accordingly, in various aspects, a housing for at least partiallyencasing an object, such as a tablet computer, mobile telephone, orelectronic reader, methods of using the encased object, e.g., device,and/or systems for the same are provided. For instance, in oneparticular embodiment, a housing for housing a device, such as a tabletcomputer device, mobile telephone, or electronic reader, is provided.The housing may be configured such that the electronic device may befitted within the housing and be substantially protected thereby, suchas from liquid, shock, dirt, dust, and the like. The housing may includea plurality of separate members or separate portions of the same member,such as a top member portion and a bottom member portion that aredesigned to be coupled together to from a housing. In variousembodiments, the top and bottom members may be separate members that maybe associated via a third element, such as a hinge element, and/or mayinclude two members that are to be locked together by a common thirdmember, e.g., a locking element. In such instances, the top and bottommember portions are designed to come together around an object, e.g.,electronic device, to be encased so as to form a liquid-tight seal.

There are several advantages achieved by the housings provided herein.For instance, in certain instances, a housing of the disclosure mayprovide a measure of shock absorbance for the protection of a houseddevice or components thereof. In certain instances, the housing may beconfigured to provide a measure of liquid-resistance for the protectionof the encased device and/or components thereof. For example, in variousinstances, the housing may be at least substantial shock and/or liquidproof. A housing as disclosed herein can also provide protection againstthe scratching, marring, chipping, breaking, fracturing, and the like ofthe underlying device or components thereof. In certain instances, theshock and/or liquid, e.g., water, resistance is provided while at thesame time as maintaining the unique technical or design features of theencased device. In various instances, the housing is designed toincrease the sound transmission qualities of the underlying device,e.g., for amplifying or clarifying sound and/or sound quality. In someinstances, these advantages are provided by the housing withoutsubstantially increasing the size and/or the weight of the underlyingdevice.

For instance, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the housing fallwithin the following ranges. The thickness of the various members, e.g.,a top and/or bottom and/or locking members, which members may beseparate individual top and bottom members joined by a common lockingelement, and may have a thickness as a whole of more or less than about50 mm or about 40 mm or less, such as about 35 mm or 30 mm or less, suchas about 25 mm or about 20 mm or about 18 mm or less, for instance,about 17 mm or about 15 mm or less, such as 13 mm or less, such as about10 mm, for instance, about 8 mm or less, including about 5 mm or about 3mm or less, or even 2.5 mm or less. It is noted that the thickness ofthe housing will depend proportionately to the thickness of the deviceto be encased.

The length of the various members of the housing may also vary. Incertain instances, the length of a top and/or bottom member may be moreor less than about 800 mm or about 750 mm or less, such as about 700 mmor 650 mm or less, such as about 500 mm or about 450 mm or about 400 mmor less, for instance, about 350 mm or about 300 mm or less, such as 250mm or less, such as about 200 mm, for instance, about 150 mm or less,including about 100 mm or about 75 mm or less, or even be about 50 mm orabout 25 mm or less. The width of the various members of the housing mayalso vary. In certain instances, the width of a top and/or bottom membermay be more or less than about 600 mm or about 550 mm or less, such asabout 450 mm or 400 mm or less, such as about 350 mm or about 300 mm orabout 250 mm or less, for instance, about 200 mm or about 150 mm orless, such as 100 mm or less, such as about 75 mm, for instance, about50 mm or less, including about 40 mm or about 30 mm or less, or even beabout 20 mm or about 15 mm or less. The total mass of the housing mayalso vary and may be more or less than about 800 g or about 750 g orless, such as about 700 g or 650 g or less, such as about 500 g or about450 g or about 400 g or less, for instance, about 350 g or about 300 gor less, such as 250 g or less, such as about 200 g, for instance, about150 g or less, including about 100 g or about 75 g or less, or evenabout 50 g or about 25 g or less.

For example, in various instances, the thickness of an individual topand/or bottom member may vary and may be more or less than about 15 mmor less than about 13 mm, for instance, less than about 12 mm or about11 mm, such as less than about 10 mm or about 9.5 mm, for instance, lessthan about 9 mm or about 8 mm, such as less than about 7 mm or about 6mm, for example, less than about 5 mm or about 4 mm, including less than3 mm or about 2.5 mm or even less than about 2 mm thick, dependent onhow the individual members are fabricated, the size of the device to beencased, and where on the top or bottom member the measurement is taken.The individual mass of a top or a bottom member may also vary and may bemore or less than about 400 g or about 350 g or less, such as about 300g or 250 g or less, such as about 200 g or about 150 g or about 100 g orless, for instance, about 90 g or about 80 g or less, such as 75 g orless, such as about 70 g, for instance, about 65 g or 60 g or less,including about 55 g or about 50 g or less, or even about 40 g or about30 g or about 25 g or less, dependent on the rigidity of the particularembodiment.

Accordingly, due to the design features described herein, a housing ofthe disclosure is capable of providing liquid and shock proof resistanceto a housed device, while only having a thickness, weight, length, andwidth in the range recited above. Specifically, in certain instances,the length and/or width of the top or bottom member may be such that itis no longer or wider than about 50 mm or about 45 mm, such as about 40mm or about 35 mm, for instance, about 30 or about 25 mm, includingabout 20 or 15 mm of the underlying device it is designed to encase,such as, in various embodiments, no longer or wider than about 10 mm orabout 8 mm or about 5 mm, for instance, no longer or wider than about 4mm, including no longer or wider than about 3 mm or about 2 mm than thedevice the housing is designed to encase. For example, in variousinstances, the length and/or width of a top and/or bottom member may beless than about 4.5 mm or about 3.5 mm or about 2.5 mm, such as lessthan 2.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, for example, less than 1 mm more than thelength and/or width of the device the housing is designed to house.

In certain particular embodiments, a housing of the disclosure may havea width from about 150 mm to 250 mm, such as from 175 mm to about 225 mmfor instance from about 200 mm to about 210 mm, such as 208 mm. Incertain particular embodiments, a housing of the disclosure may have alength from about 150 mm to 300 mm, such as from 175 mm to about 275 mmfor instance from about 200 mm to about 250 mm, such as 225 mm. Incertain instances, the length is about 265 mm. In certain particularembodiments, a housing of the disclosure may have a thickness from about10 mm to 50 mm, such as from 20 mm to about 40 mm for instance fromabout 30 mm to about 35 mm. In certain embodiments, the thickness of thehousing may be about 21 mm. In certain particular embodiments, a housingof the disclosure may have a thickness from about 150 g to 400 g, suchas from 200 g to about 350 g for instance from about 250 g to about 300g. In certain instances, the weight maybe about 320 g. In certaininstances, a component of the housings may differ from one another. Forinstance, in certain instances, an internal rigid frame is included, towhich rigid frame is coupled one or more relatively flexible members.Accordingly, where a rigid member is included, in various exemplaryembodiments, the component may be fabricated from one or more of nylonand polycarbonate and the like. Other semi-rigid materials may includepolyester, polypropylene, ABS, Acrylic, polyetherimide, ionomer, acetal,polyurethane or blends thereof, and the like. Where a more flexiblemember is included, exemplary materials for fabricating such member mayinclude, silicone, TPE, TPU, TPV, thermoset rubbers, and the like. Wherea sealing member such as a gasket is included, the gasket may befabricated from an exemplary material such as silicone, thermoplasticelastomer, thermoplastic urethane, nitrile, EPDM, viton, urethane, SBR,or vulcanized rubber, combinations thereof, and the like. Accordingly,these are simply exemplary materials actual materials employed may beselected to be more or less stiff than this; likewise the actualmaterials selected may be more or less flexible than the lists hereinprovided.

The housings of the disclosure are configured such that dependent on theconfiguration more or less of a degree of waterproofness and/orshockproofness may be provided. Accordingly, depending on the context ahousing of the disclosure may be waterproof whereby is meant that ahoused electronic device is protected against the effects of continuousor temporary immersion in water. Substantially waterproof would meanthat the device is essentially protected against the effects ofcontinuous or temporary immersion in water, and water-resistant wouldmean the housed device is protected against the effects of falling waterdrops, blowing water drops, spraying water, splashing water, or waterjets. Additionally, depending on the context a housing of the disclosuremay be shockproof whereby is meant that a housed electronic device isprotected such that an item can physically and functionally withstandthe relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks encountered inhandling, transportation, and service environments. Substantiallyshockproof would mean that the housing provides a degree of protectionsuch that an item essentially can physically and functionally withstandthe relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks encountered inhandling, transportation, and service environments. Shock resistantwould mean that the housing could provide a degree of protection so thatan item can likely physically and functionally withstand the relativelyinfrequent, non-repetitive shocks encountered in handling,transportation, and service environments. Such shocks could be definedas mechanical perturbations of the item generally limited to a frequencyrange not to exceed 10,000 Hz and a time duration of not more than 1.0second.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, due to the design features describedherein, a housing of the disclosure is capable of providing substantialliquid and shock resistance to a housed device, while only having arelative thickness, length and/or width in the ranges recited above.Several formulas may be employed for determining an adequate thickness,width and/or length of a particular housing, and thus, may be easilydetermined by determining the thickness, width and/or length of theunderlying device, x, and providing a housing that has a dimension, y,such as one of the dimensions recited above, that is in addition to thedimension of the underlying device. Specifically, if the dimension ofthe device is x, then the dimension of the housing will be (x+y), wherey is one of the dimensions set forth above. An alternative formula fordetermining an adequate thickness, width, and/or length of a housing maybe to measure the distance y from the interior of the housing, whichcontacts the encased device, to the exterior of the housing, wherein yis within one of the ranges recited above.

To ensure the appropriate thickness, width, and/or length and/or weightof the housing have been provided, the device to be encased may befitted within the housing, then the housing closed, and the housingand/or seal thereof may be tested for its ability to provide shockand/or liquid resistance, such as by experimentally dropping the houseddevice and/or exposing it to wet conditions. See, for instance, theexamples section below. The thickness, width, and/or length and/orweight of the housing should be provided in such dimensions so that theencased device is not broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged by thedropping and/or exposure to liquid, e.g., water in all its forms.

It is to be noted that in certain instances, the housing may be larger,e.g., substantially larger, than the object the housing is configured tohouse, such as where there is little or no utility for having the sizeof the housing tied to the object it is configured to house. Forinstance, where it is determined that it would be beneficial to have ahousing that is substantially thicker, wider, longer, and/or heavierthan an underlying device, than the dimensions of the housing may bethicker, wider, and longer than those dimensions recited herein, such asgreater than 800 mm or more and/or have a mass that is greater than 800g or more. In other instances, the housing is not substantially largerand/or heavier than the device it is designed to encase. Accordingly, incertain instances, the housing protects the device from one or more of ashock, such as that caused by dropping the device, and/or from liquid,such as that caused from contact with a liquid, such as water.

Accordingly, with respect to FIG. 1A, a housing 1 is provided. Theprotective housing is configured for housing an object. The object maybe any object that may be housed in accordance with the descriptionprovide herein. For instance, in certain embodiments, the object to behoused is a device, such as an electronic device, for example, a tabletcomputing device, for instance, a digital tablet computer, such as atablet PC, mobile telephone with computing functionality, an electronicreader, or the like. In certain instances, the electronic device to beencased may be a handheld mobile electronic device, for example, atablet PC, mobile telephone, or other such device, for instance, anelectronic reader, personal digital assistant, electronic game device,organizer, and the like. It is to be noted that based on theconfiguration of the individual components of the housing, the housingmay at least partially encase the electronic device. The encasement canbe an entire encasement, or a less than entire encasement. For example,in certain instances, a portion of the top or bottom member that formthe protective housing may be open, such as where the top or bottommember does not include a front or back surface, e.g., where the top orbottom member is membraneless, or the encasement may be entire, wherethe top and bottom member fully surround and encase the entireelectronic device, or the encasement may be partial, where the top andbottom member encase the electronic device except for those portionssubstantially adjacent a display, such as a touch-sensitive display ofthe electronic device. In such instances, the housing (e.g., top and/orbottom member) may have an open aperture, such as adjacent the display,thereby allowing direct touch access to the display; or the housing mayhave an aperture that is spanned by a permanently or removably fixedmembrane, which membrane may be affixed to the housing or to the device,e.g., over the display, so as to provide indirect touch access to thedisplay, e.g., touch sensitive display.

In particular embodiments, the protective housing 1 may include a topmember 2 and a bottom member 3 that when removably or fixedly coupledtogether form the protective housing 1. FIG. 1A provides a top-down viewof the top member 2, a bottom-up view of the bottom member 3, as well asa profile view of all four sides of the protective housing 1. Asdepicted with respect to FIG. 1A, the protective housing includes aplurality of members, such as top member 2 and bottom member 3 that, invarious embodiments, are configured for being removably coupled togetherso as to form the protective housing 1. It is to be understood, however,that although a particular embodiment is presented herein, such as aprotective housing 1 for housing an electronic device, such as a tabletPC or mobile phone or electronic reader, etc., therein, the object to behoused may be any of a number of different objects, and the protectivehousing may, therefore, have a number of different members having anumber of different shapes, sizes, and configurations without departingfrom the nature of the disclosure.

For instance, as herein depicted below, the protective housing mayinclude two separate members, e.g., separate individual top and bottommembers 2 and 3, that are configured for being removably or permanentlycoupled together so as to surround an electronic device and therebyhouse the device. However, in certain instances, (not shown) the top andbottom members may not be separate members, but rather may be membersthat are joined, for instance, by a common hinge element, or may befabricated from a single member configured for being folded upon itselfand thereby forming the protective housing. In other instances, theprotective housing 1 may include more than two separate members, such asseparate top 2 and bottom 3 members as well as a separate claspingand/or locking element (not shown) that when assembled together form theprotective housing 1. Hence, the scope of the housings and systemsdescribed herein with respect to the particular embodiments set forth inreference to the figures is not intended to be unduly limiting.

The top member 2 of the protective housing 1 may include a top front andback surface, such as a membrane spanning the peripheral portion (notincluded in this embodiment), and a top member peripheral portion 20.However in this embodiment, the top member 2 does not include a topmember front and back surface. Rather, in the depicted embodiment, thetop member 2 simply includes a top member peripheral portion 20. The topmember peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 may be defined by a topmember proximal end portion 21 and a top member distal end portion 22 aswell as opposing side portions termed the top member left hand sideportion 23 and top member right hand side portion 24. The top memberperipheral portion 20 may include a plurality of additional features,such as a headphone port 50 (not shown), having a headphone port sealingport member 53 positioned therein, as well as a charge port opening 71 a(not shown). The top member 2 may additionally include one or morebutton features, such as a home button feature 40.

The bottom member 3 of the protective housing 1 includes a bottom memberfront and back surface (“surface”) 35 surrounded by a bottom memberperipheral portion 30. The bottom member peripheral portion 30 isdefined by a proximal and a distal bottom end portions termed the bottommember proximal end portion 31 and the bottom member distal end portion32 as well as opposing side portions termed the bottom member right handside member 33 and bottom member left hand side member 34 respectively.The bottom member peripheral portion 30 may include a plurality ofadditional features, such as one or more button or switch features, likevolume buttons 99 a, an on/off button 99 b, an orientation switch 90,and sound transmission features, like microphone transmission port 61and speaker transmission port 60.

The microphone transmission port 61 includes an opening, e.g., inletaperture 62 a (not shown) that spans from the exterior to the interiorof the bottom member 3. An interior portion of the microphone inletaperture is surrounded by a microphone waterproof gasket 61 a (notshown), which gasket spans and covers the inlet aperture and functionsto seal the microphone port aperture in a waterproof sealing therebyprotecting the housing, but at the same time allowing the efficienttransmission of sound into the housing and toward the microphone portionof a housed device. The microphone waterproof gasket may be affixed tothe housing over the microphone transmission inlet aperture by anysuitable means, such as by an adhesive, thermal coupling, and/or byovermolding in conjunction with forming the microphone transmission port61. An exterior portion of the microphone transmission port 61 has amicrophone grille 61 b which functions as a protective enforcementspanning a portion of the inlet aperture 62 a.

The bottom member 3 may additionally include a latch feature 70 thatincludes a latch door 71 b that may be positioned so as to cover andenclose an electrical transmission port, such as charge port opening 71a (not shown), which charge port opening is included on a correspondingtop member 2. The latch feature 70 of this embodiment is liquid-proofand/or dust proof and includes a gasket 78 (not shown) to facilitatesuch a sealing. The bottom member 3 may include one or more accessoryconnection ports 97 a, 97 b, 97 c, and 97 d which may be positionedanywhere on the bottom member 3, such as in the corners of the bottomperimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 3. The one or more accessoryports 97 a, 97 b, 97 c, and 97 d can be used for connecting one or moreaccessories to the protective housing 1. In certain embodiments, thebottom member surface 35 may additionally include a lens feature 80.

In this embodiment, the bottom member 3 includes a bottom member surface35. The bottom member surface 35 of the bottom member 3 may be composedof one or more materials which materials may be the same material ordifferent materials and which materials may be the same or differentfrom the material or materials of the bottom member peripheral portion30. In certain embodiments, the bottom member surface 35 of the bottommember 3 may be comprised of at least one screen or membrane. In otherinstances, the bottom surface 35 of the bottom member 3 is formed of arigid or semi-rigid material, such as polycarbonate, nylon, Plexiglas,or the like; or a more semi-flexible material such as polypropylene; ora more flexible material such as a rubber, for instance, TPE. Where asemi-rigid material is employed, the bottom surface may have a rigiditythat is selected so as to allow the back surface to vibrate in such amanner that it amplifies the sound characteristics emitted from a houseddevice.

In accordance with a particular configuration of the protective housing1, and as can be seen with respect to FIG. 1A, the top member 2 and abottom member 3 may be configured for being removably coupled togetherso as to form the protective housing 1. The protective housing 1,therefore, includes one or more sets of clasping mechanisms (not shown)that are adapted for coupling the top 2 and bottom 3 members together insuch a manner so as to produce at least a substantially waterproofand/or shockproof seal there between.

By water-resistant or waterproof seal is meant that a seal is formed bythe coupling of the top member with the bottom member which seal doesnot substantially allow the passage of liquid, e.g., water, from oneside of the protective housing (e.g., outside of the protective housing)to the other side of the protective housing (e.g., inside of theprotective housing) in various predetermined conditions.

The coupling mechanism(s) may have any suitable configuration so long asit is capable of participating in the coupling of one member of theprotective housing to another member of the protective housing, such asthe top member 2 to the bottom member 3. For example, in certainembodiments the coupling mechanism may function to produce a waterproofand/or shockproof seal. For instance, in certain instances, the couplingmechanism may include a clasping mechanism, which clasping mechanism mayfunction to seal the top member and the bottom member together in awaterproof and/or shockproof seal. In certain instances the claspingmechanism may include an internal or external locking element, asdescribed herein.

FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of the protective housing 1 of FIG.1A. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the housing 1 may include atop member 2 and a bottom member 3 that when removably coupled togetherform the protective housing 1. As depicted in FIG. 1B the top member 2simple includes a peripheral portion 20, it does not include a frontsurface member. Rather, the top member 2 is made up simply of the topmember peripheral portion 20. The top member 2, however, is configuredfor producing a substantially waterproof and/or water resistant sealwhen coupled to an electronic device (not shown) such as when the topmember 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3 to form the housing 1.

The top member peripheral portion 20 is defined by a proximal and adistal top member end portions 21 and 22 as well as opposing top memberright hand and left hand side portions 23 and 24 respectively. The topmember peripheral portion 20 also includes a home button 40. Asdepicted, the top member peripheral portion 20 is further defined by topmember interior perimeter portion 20 a, top member middle perimeterportion 20 b, and top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c. Aproximity sensor portion 48 is disposed in the top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a, which proximity sensor portion is configured asa cutout portion allowing a proximity sensor of an underlying houseddevice to determine the proximity of an object, such as a user.

The bottom member peripheral portion 30 is defined by a proximal and adistal bottom member end portions 31 and 32 as well as opposing bottommember right hand and left hand side portions 33 and 34 respectively.The bottom member includes a bottom member surface 35, which bottomsurface 35 may have one or more risers, such as standoffs 16 a and/orbridges 16 b, which bridges 16 b together may form a standoff channel,positioned on an interior portion of the bottom surface 35. Thestandoffs 16 a may be configured to raise a housed device above theplane of the bottom member surface 35. In certain embodiments, theinterior portion of the bottom member surface 35 do not have suchstandoffs, rather, the interior surface is substantially planar.

The bottom member surface 35 may also include a lens feature 80, whichlens feature 80 includes an optical grade lens 83 that is positioned toalign with a camera lens of a housed electronic device so as to enhancethe photographic features of the housed electronic device.

The bottom member 3 may additionally include a bottom peripheral portion30, wherein the peripheral portion includes an orientation controlswitch 90, a volume control element 99 a, a liquid-proof latch cover 71b, and a sound transmission feature, like speaker transmission port 60.In this embodiment, the speaker port 60 is enclosed by a speakerwaterproof seal (e.g., gasket) 60 a that provides a seal that iswaterproof but which also permits the transmission of sound from anelectronic device outward from the protective housing 1. The peripheralportion 30 of the protective housing 1 may additionally have one or moretool slot features 18 a and 18 b incorporated therein to allow thecoupled top 2 and bottom 3 members of the protective housing 1 to bedisengaged from one another and the housing 1 opened, for example with atool, such as a screwdriver, coin, or the like when inserted into theslot feature(s) 18 a-b between the top member 2 and the bottom member 3and rotated or twisted.

In certain embodiments, the top and bottom members may be composed ofvarious different components and therefore may be fabricated from aplurality of different materials. Suitable materials from which the topand bottom member may be fabricated include rigid, semi-rigid,semi-flexible, and flexible materials that may be fabricated together orseparately and combined together so as to provide shock and/or liquidproof resistance to the protective housing. Such materials may includebut are not hereby limited to plastics, polycarbonates, nylons, liquidcrystal polymers, metals, and/or rubber, thermal plastic urethanes,polyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes, TPEs, mixtures thereof and thelike. In certain embodiments, the materials may be a composite ofmaterials and may include one or more reinforcing elements such asglass, ceramics, carbon fiber (e.g., graphite), and the like.

FIG. 1C is a perspective illustration of a top-down view of the bottommember 3 of the protective housing 1. Depicted are the bottom memberback surface 35, peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3, as wellas portions of the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2. The bottommember perimeter 30 portion is defined by opposing proximal and distalbottom member end portions 31 and 32 and opposing bottom member righthand and left hand side portions 33 and 34 respectively. The bottommember peripheral portion 30 may further be defined by interiorperimeter portion 30 a (not shown), middle perimeter portion 30 b (notshown), as well as exterior perimeter portion 30 c.

The bottom member peripheral portion 30 includes an orientation switch90, one or more button features such as volume switch 99 a, and on/offbutton 99 b, as well as latch door 71 b and tool slot features 18 a and18 b. As depicted, the orientation switch 90, volume switch 99, on/offbutton feature 99 b, and tool slot features 18 a and 18 b are positionedon the bottom member 3. The latch feature door 71 b spans from thebottom member 3 to the top member 2. As depicted here, the orientationcontrol switch 90 and volume control switch 99 a are located on thebottom member left hand side member 34 and the on/off button feature 99b is located on the bottom member distal end portion 32.

A lens feature 80 including a camera lens 83 and optical skirt 82 isshown on the bottom member distal end portion 32 of the bottom memberperipheral portion 30. A speaker grille 60 b is depicted here on thebottom peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3 covering a portionof the proximal bottom member end portion 31 of the bottom perimeterportion 30. A microphone transmission port having a microphoneprotective grille 61 b are depicted here covering a portion of theproximal bottom member end portion 31 of the bottom peripheral portion30 of the bottom member 3. Also depicted are accessory connection ports97 a, 97 b, 97 c, and 97 d, positioned on a bottom portion of theperipheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3. In other embodiments, oneor more of the positions of various features described in this Figuremay be reversed or repositioned.

FIG. 1D provides a front view of the of the protective housing 1 showingthe top member 2 looking toward the top member proximal end portion 21and the bottom member 3 looking towards the bottom member proximal endportion 31. The latch door 71 b and tool slot features 18 a and 18 bspan from the bottom member 3 to the top member 2. The latch door axle74 allows the latch door 71 to swing to open and closed positions aboutthe axle 74.

FIG. 2A provides a perspective view of a top-down view of the top member2 and a bottom-up view of the bottom member 3 of the housing 1, as theywould be when coupled together to form the housing 1. As depicted, thetop member peripheral portion 20 includes a top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a, a top member middle perimeter portion 20 b, anda top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c, any of which portions maybe composed of the same materials or of different materials or acombination of the same. The top member peripheral portion 20 includes ahome button 40 disposed on the top member proximal end portion 21. Aproximity sensor portion 48 is depicted as an indent in the top memberinterior perimeter portion 20 a. A latch feature 70 including a latchcover 71 b for covering an electric transmission port 71 a, e.g., chargeport (not shown), as well as tool slot features 18 a and 18 b are shownspanning the top member 2 and the bottom member 3.

The bottom peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3 includes aspeaker sound transmission feature 60. The speaker sound transmissionport 60 may include one or more apertures (not shown) that extend froman interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing so as tofacilitate the transmission of sound from a speaker portion of a houseddevice through the interior of the housing to the exterior of thehousing. The speaker port aperture(s) may be enclosed by a substantiallyliquidproof and/or liquid resistant speaker gasket 60 a that providesboth a covering over the apertures and a seal with the bottom memberthat is at least substantially water resistant and/or waterproof butwhich permits the transmission of sound from an electronic deviceoutward from the protective housing 1.

A lens feature 80 is also shown proximal to the bottom member surface35. Also depicted are risers 16 a and 16 b which may be included on thebottom front surface 35 which may form a standoff channel so as to allowseparation between a housed device and the bottom member front and backsurface member 35, for instance, for greater shock absorbance andenhanced sound transmission.

FIG. 2B provides an up close view of the front top portion of theprotective housing 1 of FIG. 2A. The top member peripheral portion 20includes a top member interior perimeter portion 20 a, a top membermiddle perimeter portion 20 b, and a top member exterior perimeterportion 20 c which are shown with the proximity sensor portion 48 aswell as the microphone transmission port 61. The microphone transmissionport 61 includes a microphone waterproof gasket 61 a which is shown onthe top member interior perimeter portion 20 a covering the microphonetransmission port inlet aperture 62 a (not shown). In this embodiment,the interior portion of the microphone transmission port 61 includes anecho cancelling feature 64 that is formed as a raised ridge thatcircumscribes the interior portion of the inlet aperture 62 a andfunctions to substantially prevent the internal transmission of soundfrom within the interior of the housing (such as from the speakerportion) from entering the microphone portion of a housed electronicdevice.

A lens feature 80, optical skirt 82, and optical grade camera type lens83 are visible in this view proximal to the bottom member surface 35 andthe bottom peripheral portion 30 (not shown) of the bottom member 3.Also depicted are stand-offs 16 b which may be included on the bottomfront surface 35 and which may form one or more standoff channels.

FIG. 2C provides an up close view of a front bottom portion of theprotective housing 1 of FIG. 2A showing the top member peripheralportion 20 including the top member interior perimeter portion 20 a, atop member middle perimeter portion 20 b, and a top member exteriorperimeter portion 20 c, wherein the top member interior perimeterportion 20 a is configured as a wiper portion, which wiper portion isconfigured to function in part as a seal and partly as a particle catchpreventing or otherwise reducing the ingress of liquid or particulatematter from ingressing beneath the wiper when the top member 2 iscoupled to the electronic device, such as when the top member 2 iscoupled to the bottom member 3 to form the housing 1.

The home button 40 is visible on the top member proximal end portion 21of the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. A latch door 71 b forcovering a charge port opening (not shown) as well as tool slot features18 a and 18 b are shown spanning the top member 2 and the bottom member3. The interior portion of the bottom member surface 35 of the bottommember 3 includes a sound transmission feature 60, including the speakerwaterproof gasket 60 a and speaker port gasket overmolding 60 c shown inthis view. The overmolding 60 c functions to further attach and seal thegasket 60 a to the interior of the bottom member surface 35.

FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of the back surface of a peripheralportion 20 of a top member 2 of the protective housing 1. The peripheralportion 20 of the top member 2 defines an opening for the placement of atouch-sensitive display screen of an electronic device, for example byat least substantially of not fully circumscribing the outer perimeterof the electronic device to be housed. The top member peripheral portion20 includes an interior perimeter portion 20 a, a middle perimeterportion 20 b, and an exterior perimeter portion 20 c.

The top member middle perimeter portion 20 b is substantially rigid orsemi-rigid material and is configured as a rigid or semi-rigid frameworkthat is adapted to circumscribe the perimeter of an electronic device tobe coupled therewith thereby defining the peripheral portion 20 of thetop member 2. The top member interior perimeter portion 20 a and a topmember exterior perimeter portion 20 c are comprised of semi-flexible orsofter materials that are more flexible or pliable so as to allow theseportions to form a softer inner and/or outer edge suitable for forming aseal with a corresponding surface of an electronic device or othermembers of the housing 1. Suitable rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, andflexible materials that may be fabricated to make these variousperimeter portions that may then be coupled together using means wellknown in the art, so as to provide suitable shock and/or liquidresistance to the protective housing include but are not hereby limitedto plastics, polycarbonates, nylon, liquid crystal polymers, metals,and/or rubber, thermal plastic urethanes, polyethylenes, and/orpolypropylenes, mixtures and composites thereof and the like describedherein.

Hence, in various instances, such as when there are one or more of aninterior, middle, and exterior perimeter portion, such as on a topmember 2, the middle perimeter portion may be fabricated from a rigidmaterial, such as a rigid plastic, e.g., polycarbonate, nylon, or thelike, so as to provide structural integrity to the housing, whereas theinner and/or outer perimeter portions may be fabricated from a moreflexible, e.g., semi-rigid or flexible material, such as a polyethyleneor polypropylene or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) material, or the like,so as to provide the interior and/or exterior perimeters of the housingwith a measure of shock absorbance and protection.

Thus, in certain instances, the top member 2 includes a more rigidmiddle perimeter portion 20 b that may be coupled with a more flexibleinterior and/or exterior perimeter portion 20 a and/or 20 b,respectively. The rigid middle perimeter portion 20 b is composed of astiffness so as to provide structural integrity to the top member of thehousing, while the flexible interior and/or exterior perimeter portions20 a and 20 b of the housing provide measures of liquidproofabilityand/or shock absorbance.

In various instances, the interior 20 a, middle 20 b, and/or exterior 20c perimeter portions may be integrally formed together, such as in themanufacturing process, but in other instances they may be formed as twoor three or more separate elements that are capable of being coupledtogether after the manufacturing process. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the top member 2 may include a middle perimeter portion 20b that is composed of a rigid skeletal frame, such as a polycarbonate ornylon frame, which frame is further associated with, e.g., is overmoldedwith, a more flexible material, such as a rubber or a urethane materialsuch as a polyethylene, TPE, or the like, so as to form an interior 20 aand/or exterior 20 c perimeter portion(s).

Accordingly, the rigid or semi-rigid top member middle perimeter portion20 b may be fabricated and formed, such as via molding, which onceformed may be coupled with one or both of the more flexible interior 20a and/or exterior 20 c top member perimeter portions such as through anovermolding process. In other embodiments, one ore more of the interior,middle, and/or exterior perimeter portions may be attached together orotherwise coupled using different means, such as by thermal molding,welding, suitable adhesives, and the like, and in other instances, oneor more of these perimeter portions may be fabricated so as to beintegral with one or more of the other perimeter portions. It is to benoted that although the preceding was described with respect to theperipheral perimeter portions of a top member 2, the same holds true forthe peripheral perimeter portions of a bottom member 3 as well.

The top member middle perimeter portion 20 b forms an outer raised ridgemember 26 that protrudes away from the inner surface of the peripheralportion 20 of top member 2. In this embodiment the raised ridge member26 circumscribes the entire perimeter of the peripheral portion 20,however, in other embodiments, the raised ridge member 26 may onlycircumscribe a substantial portion or less of the perimeter portion ofthe peripheral portion 20.

Also in this embodiment, the raised ridge member 26 includes a firstclasping mechanism 27 that is formed as an extended lip or protrudingridge member (not shown) that extends from the outer surface (upper)edge of the raised ridge member 26 such that it protrudes away from thetop member middle perimeter portion 20 b and toward the top memberexterior perimeter portion 20 c. In operation, the extended portion ofthis lip or ridge forms a catch 27. The catch 27 protrudes outward alongat least a portion of the exterior face of the raised ridge and isconfigured for being received within a corresponding clasping mechanism37 of the bottom member 3, such as a corresponding opening or groove 37(not shown) positioned within a corresponding raised exterior boundingwall 30 b (not shown) of a peripheral portion 30 of bottom member 3 (notshown). It is to be noted that although the top member 2 is hereindescribed as including a protruding lip 27 and the bottom member 3 isdescribed as including a corresponding elongated groove 37, theseconfigurations may be switched. The extended catch 27 may circumscribethe entire or a substantial portion or less than substantial portion ofthe raised ridge member 26 and therefore may be configured to engage anentire or a substantial portion or less than substantial portion of thecorresponding clasping mechanism 37, e.g., elongated groove, positionedat a peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3.

In this embodiment, the raised ridge member 26 further includes a secondclasping mechanism 13 a. It is to be noted that in certain embodimentsonly one of these two clasping mechanisms may be included, whereas inother embodiments these two and additional clasping mechanisms may beprovided. As depicted, the second clasping mechanism 13 a is depicted asa plurality of teeth 13 a. Further, as depicted here, this secondclasping mechanism 13 a is internal to the first clasping mechanism 27,however, in other embodiments these positions may be reversed.

The teeth 13 a are disposed on the interior edge of the raised ridgemember 26 on the surface opposing the first clasping mechanism 27. It isnoted that in this embodiment, the two clasping mechanisms 27 and 13 arepositioned on the same raised ridge member 26, however, in otherembodiments, each of these clasping mechanisms may be positioned ondifferent raised ridge members or otherwise split between two or moreraised ridge members. The teeth 13 a extend outward from and may bedeclined with respect to the raised ridge member 26. The teeth 13 arefurther configured for being at least partially received within acorresponding clasping mechanism 13 b of bottom member 3, such asdetents, openings, or apertures of a corresponding raised wall member,such as raised interior bounding wall 30 a of the bottom member 3. Thenumber of teeth and their spacing may differ as desired with respect tothe strength of the sealing sought to be produced. Likewise, theirrelative circumferential coverage may vary from substantial to less thansubstantial circumferential coverage.

In this embodiment, the extended and raised ridge member 26 of theperipheral portion 20 of the top member 2 is configured for extending,e.g., downwards with respect to the bottom member, into a correspondingreceiving member of the peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3,such as into bottom member channel 10 b (described herein below) whenthe top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3 so as to form thehousing 1. This action accomplishes several different results. As theraised ridge member 26 impinges within the bottom member channel 10 b,the top member clasping mechanism 27 a engages its corresponding bottommember clasping mechanism 37; the top member second clasping mechanism13 a engages its corresponding bottom member clasping mechanism 13 b;and a top surface of the raised ridge member 26 contacts and compressesor otherwise engages a gasket, such as O-ring 15 b, positioned in thebottom member channel 10 b, thereby generating a secure, substantiallywaterproof and/or water resistant and/or substantially shockproof and/orsubstantially shock resistant seal between the top 2 and bottom 3members.

Also depicted are device retention teeth 96 a and 96 b which teeth mayfunction for one or more of aligning, orientating, and/or securing theplacement of an electronic device as it is coupled to the top member 2.Retention teeth 96 a and 96 b may also be disposed on a portion of theraised ridge member 26 such as proximal to the interior front surface ofthe protective housing 1.

The top member 2 may additionally include an exterior perimeter portion20 c that may be configured with a plurality of features that may serveone or more complementary functions. For instance, the exteriorperimeter portion 20 c may be configured to form a top member channel 10a, which channel 10 a may be bounded by a top member channel interiorbounding wall 11 a and a top member channel exterior bounding wall 11 b.These bounding walls may be spaced apart from one another a distancesufficient to adequately retain a top member seal, such as a gasket, forinstance, an O-ring 15 a therein.

The top member gasket 15 a positioned within the top member channel 10 amay function such that as the top member 2 is coupled to an electronicdevice the gasket 15 a contacts a surface, such as a top surface, of anelectronic device and is thereby compressed against the surface of theelectronic device forming a seal therewith, which seal is furthersecured by the top member 2 being coupled to the bottom member 3 so asto form the housing 1. The seal generated by the coupling of the topmember 2 with the electronic device and/or the further coupling of thetop member 2 with the bottom member 3 is a secure, substantiallywaterproof and/or water resistant and/or substantially shockproof and/orsubstantially shock resistant seal between the member 2 and the topsurface of the electronic device, such as a top surface of atouch-sensitive display.

It is to be noted that the top member gasket (or bottom member gasketfor that matter) may have any suitable configuration so long as it iscapable of being compressed, such as when it contacts a surface, such asa top surface, of an electronic device to be housed within the housing1. The extent of this compression of the top (or bottom member gasket)will depend on the type of the gasket employed and in certainembodiments the gasket may have a compressibility of greater than 5%,greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%,greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%,greater than 50% of its non-compressed diameter. In certain embodimentsthe top member gasket (or bottom member gasket) may be hollow orsubstantially hollow). As the top member 2 is coupled to the bottommember 3, the clasping force is sufficient to compress the gasket 15 abetween the top member interior perimeter portion 20 a and the frontsurface, e.g., touch-sensitive display, of a housed electronic devicethereby generating a liquid and dirt proof seal there between. Thegasket 15 a may be attached to the top member 2, e.g., to the topsurface interior or middle perimeter portions 20 a and/or 20 b by anysufficient mechanism, such as by cohesion, the addition of an adhesive,or being molded therewith.

The interior perimeter portion 20 c of the top member 2 may also beconfigured to include a further top surface interface, such as a wipersection. The wiper portion of interior perimeter portion 20 c may beconfigured to interface with a top surface of an electronic device whenthe device is coupled to the to member 2. The interface between thewiper portion and the top surface of the housed electronic device issuch that liquid and/or particulate matter such as dirt or dust issubstantially prevented from intruding through the interface, andfurther prevented from entering into the interior of the housing by thepresence of the top member gasket 10 a within top member channel 15 a.In this manner, the top member wiper portion and top member channel 15 aand gasket 10 a portions all function to enhance the waterproof and/orwater resistant seal between the top member 2 and the electronic device.It is further noted that the gasket 10 a may be a separate member fromthe channel 15 a but insertable therein, or the gasket may be formed asan integral portion of the top member interior perimeter portion 20 a,or otherwise attached therewith without the presence of a channel 15 a(the same applies equally to the bottom member gasket 10 b and channel15 b).

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge member 26 of the top memberinterior middle perimeter portion 20 b may form a top member exteriorchannel bounding member. In such an embodiment, an interior surface ofthe raised ridge member 26 in conjunction with a raised portion of thetop member interior perimeter portion 20 a of the wiper may define thetop member channel 10 a. Specifically, in this embodiment this raisedridge member 26 of the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b inconjunction with a top member interior channel bounding member 11 adisposed on the top member inner interior perimeter portion 20 a maydefine the interior perimeter portion channel 10 a into which thewaterproof seal is positioned.

In other embodiments (not shown), the ridge member 26 may have otherfeatures or may be configured differently so as to facilitate theengagement of the top and bottom member clasping mechanisms, such as theengagement of the ridge member 26 with a corresponding raised ridgemember, e.g., wall, of bottom member 3, said wall having a correspondingclasping element. Such different or additional configurations mayinclude for example differently configured latching elements, catches,ridges, lips, grooves, extended protrusions, or the like.

Further in respect to FIG. 3A, the top member interior perimeter portion20 a of the top member peripheral portion 20 also includes a home button40 (not shown) that includes a home button user interphase 40 a (notshown) and a home button device interface 40 b (not shown), which asdepicted is covered by a home button sealing member 41 c. Additionally,as depicted, the top member peripheral portion 20 also includes aproximity sensor portion 48, a headphone port 50 surrounded by aheadphone port bounding member 51 b disposed on the top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a, and an electrical transmission interface port 71b, e.g., charge port aperture.

FIG. 3B provides a perspective view of the front (interior) surface 35 aof the bottom member 3 of the protective housing 1. As depicted, thebottom member peripheral portion 30 defines the perimeter portion of thebottom member 3, and includes a bottom member interior perimeter portion30 a, a bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b, and a bottom memberexterior perimeter portion 30 c.

The bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a in conjunction withthe bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b form a bottom memberchannel 10 b, into which channel a bottom member sealing member 15 b(not shown) may be positioned, such as a gasket, for instance, anO-ring. As indicated above, the gasket can be an independent memberremovably positioned within the channel, or it may be integrally formedwith or otherwise attached to the bottom member peripheral portion.Additionally, the gasket can have any of a number of differentconfigurations and/or compressibilities, as discussed above. In certaininstances, the bottom member gasket may be an O-ring, which O-ring maybe hollow or semi-hollow.

Accordingly, the bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a forms abottom member channel interior bounding member, e.g., interior boundingwall; and the bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b forms a bottommember channel exterior bounding member, e.g., exterior bounding wall,that together define the channel 10 b. The interior and exteriorbounding walls may be fabricated from the same or different materials,such as a rigid material, like a rigid plastic, e.g., nylon,polycarbonate, or the like, or a semi-rigid material, such as apolypropylene material, so as to provide structural integrity to thechannel positioned between the interior and exterior bounding walls ofthe bottom member 3 of the housing 1. In certain instances, the interiorand exterior bounding walls (of the bottom and/or top member) may runalong a portion or the entire perimeter of the top and/or bottom memberof the housing, likewise, a top or bottom member channel maycircumscribe a portion or the entire perimeter of the top and/or bottommember.

The bottom member middle perimeter portion (“exterior bounding wall”) 30b of the bottom member 3 includes a first clasping mechanism 37, whichclasping mechanism is configured for engaging a corresponding firstclasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 (see FIG. 3A) that whenengaged with one another function to both couple the top 2 and bottom 3members together to form the housing 1, but further function, inconjunction with the one or more housing seals, to produce asubstantially waterproof and/or substantially water resistant sealbetween the top 2 and bottom 3 members when coupled together.

Additionally, the bottom member interior perimeter portion (“interiorbounding wall”) 30 a of the bottom member 3 includes a second claspingmechanism 13 b, which clasping mechanism is configured for engaging acorresponding second clasping mechanism 13 a of the top member 2 thatwhen engaged with one another also function to both couple the top 2 andbottom 3 members together to form the housing 1, but further function,in conjunction with the one or more housing seals, to produce asubstantially waterproof and/or substantially water resistant sealbetween the top 2 and bottom 3 members when coupled together. It is tobe noted that one or both of the interior or exterior bounding walls mayor may not include a clasping mechanism or may include different typesof clasping mechanisms than presently described, which claspingmechanisms may run along a portion or the entire perimeter of the topand/or bottom member. For instance, the one or more claspingmechanism(s) may extend around about 99% or more, about 95%, about 90%,about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about55%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 10%,or less of the perimeter, such as where the top and bottom members arejoined by a suitable axle element along an entire side or portionthereof.

Further, as indicated above, the clasping mechanisms of the top andbottom member may have any suitable configuration so long as they arecapable of interacting with one another in such a manner so as to couplethe top member of the housing with the bottom member of the housing. Incertain instances, this coupling is in such a manner so as to provide aliquid-proof and/or shockproof seal between the top and bottom membersof the housing.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanisms may be configured suchthat they lessen and/or remove the deflection that would be typical whencoupling the two top and bottom members of the housing together such aswhen employing a classic latching mechanism known in the art. Forinstance, when employing a typical latching mechanism known in the art,e.g., one that clasps at single point along an exterior perimeterportion of the housing, deflection often occurs as a result of alatching mechanism that only exerts a closing force on discretelocations on the opposed latching surfaces. Such a latching mechanismleaves substantial gaps between the various tensioning points. Aconfiguration such as this results in deflection as the two parts of thehousing work against each other, because these tensioning points betweenthe gaps are where the opposing forces get integrated and therefore aremaximized.

In certain instances, the present housing and features thereof areconfigured for constraining these oppositional forces. For instance, thetop or bottom members of the housing may include opposing claspingmechanism that are configured for dispersing these oppositional forcesalong the length of the housing thereby minimizing the deflection thatmay be caused by the sealing of the two members of the housing. Incertain instances, one or both of the top or bottom member may include achannel, such as a channel that contains a gasket, a portion of whichchannel may include a clasping mechanism, as described herein, that isconfigured for dispersing the opposing forces throughout the channel.

Accordingly, in certain instances, the bottom member 3 includes achannel 10 b that is formed by two bounding members, an interior wallbounding member 30 a (comprised of the bottom member interior perimeterportion) and an exterior wall bounding member 30 b (comprised of thebottom member middle perimeter portion), which bounding members arespaced apart from one another so as to form the bottom member channel 10b. The bottom member channel 10 b is further configured for receivingboth a sealing gasket 15 b and a raised ridge member 26 of the topmember 2 (see FIG. 3A).

Gaskets of different sizes may be included so as to facilitate aliquid-tight sealing of the housing. A gasket may be positioned wherevera watertight sealing is beneficial, such as within channels 10 a and/or10 b. It is to be noted, however, that the inclusion of such a gasketmay create additional opposing forces as the gasket resists thecompression caused by the coupling together of the two members of thehousing. The one or more clasping mechanisms, therefore, may beconfigured to be substantially continuous along a substantialcircumference of the perimeter so as to better disperse theseoppositional forces. Such a continuous, circumferential clasping systemmay wrap around the entire or a substantial portion of the circumferenceof the device, minimizing transitional gaps and dispersing theoppositional forces that build up in gaps between tensioning points.However, since the top member gasket is not part of a latching systemrequiring greater compressibility to establish an appropriate sealing,the top member gasket may be a hollow gasket that allows for greatercompressibility with less force needed to generate an effective seal.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 3B, a channel 10 b is included withinbottom member 3, which channel 10 b includes a gasket 15 b which areconfigured together so as to constrain the oppositional forces caused byclasping the top 2 and bottom 3 members together, e.g., via claspingmechanisms 27 and 37. In such an instance, the oppositional forces canbe constrained to the small space of the channel and further beminimized by a tight coupling of the clasping mechanisms of the top andbottom members 27 and 37, respectively. This is especially beneficialwhere a less compressible gasket 15, such as an O-ring, is included inthe channel 10 so as to further compress the gasket and thereby generatea liquid-tight seal.

Accordingly, the raised ridge member 26 of the top member 2 includes aplurality of clasping mechanisms, e.g., first 27 and second claspingmechanisms 13 a, that engage corresponding clasping mechanisms, e.g., 37and 13 b, respectively, of the bottom member 3, when the top member 2and the bottom member 3 are coupled together to form the housing 1.These corresponding clasping mechanisms are configured, therefore, toeffectuate a strong coupling, such as a substantial shockproof coupling,of the top member 2 with the bottom member 3. Additionally, the topmember raised ridge member 26 further includes a top surface that isconfigured for engaging and compressing the bottom member gasket 15 b inthe bottom member channel 10 b, in such a manner that as the top member2 and the bottom member 3 are coupled together to form the housing 1, asubstantially waterproof and/or substantially water resistant seal isproduced between the top and bottom members of the housing.

Additionally, as an be seen with respect to the clasping mechanism 13 ofthe bottom member 3, the interior bounding wall 30 a includes detents oropenings that form teeth receptacles 13 b, which teeth receptacles areconfigured for engaging with corresponding the teeth 13 a of a topmember 2. Accordingly, when teeth 13 a and teeth receptacles 13 b areengageably aligned together as the top member 2 and bottom member 3 arecoupled to form the protective housing 1, the teeth 13 a of the secondclasping mechanism 13, disposed on an interior surface of the raisedridge member 26 of the top member 2 reversibly interphase with the teethreceptacles 13 b disposed in the interior bounding wall 30 a of thebottom member 3. Further, in this embodiment, as the engagement of theteeth 13 a with the teeth receptacles 13 b occurs, the first claspingmechanism 27 of the top member reversibly engages with the firstclasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3.

As depicted, the teeth and receptacle clasping feature 13 of FIGS. 3Aand 3B may include one or more sections of one or more teeth 13 a, andlikewise, the clasping feature 13 may also include one or more sectionsof one or more teeth receiving members 13 b. The tooth or teeth 13 a areconfigured for interfacing with the tooth or teeth receiving members 13b in such a way that as the teeth 13 a are coupled with the teethreceiving members 13 b, the top member 2 and bottom member 3 are coupledtogether so as to form the housing 1. In certain embodiments, the teeth13 a may be positioned along a peripheral portion of a top 2 or bottom 3member, and the corresponding top or bottom member will have thecorresponding teeth receiving members 13 b. In this instance, the teeth13 a are positioned along a middle perimeter portion 20 b of the topmember 2, and the teeth receiving members 13 b are positioned along aninterior perimeter portion 30 a of the bottom member 3. However, inother instances, the teeth 13 a may be positioned along a peripheralportion 30 of the bottom member 3, and the teeth receiving members 13 bmay be positioned along a peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2.

As depicted with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are six teeth regionspositioned along the perimeter portion 20 b of the top member 2. Eachteeth region may include one or a plurality of teeth. In this instance,each teeth region 13 a includes a plurality of teeth. The teeth 13 aextend laterally and internally toward the internal cavity of thehousing away from the longitudinal length of the interior perimetermember 20 b of the top member 2. The teeth 13 a are configured for beingreceived within corresponding teeth receiving members 13 b of the bottommember 3.

Consequently, as depicted, there are six teeth receiving regions 13 a,positioned along the interior perimeter, e.g., interior bounding member,30 a of the bottom member 3. However, it is noted that not all teethneed to have a corresponding tooth receiving receptacle within which tofit, so long a s a substantial portion do. As depicted, the teethreceiving members 13 b are configured as apertures within which theteeth 13 b may be fitted. Accordingly, as the top member 2 is coupled tothe bottom member 3 the teeth 13 a of the six teeth regions interfaceand engage with the corresponding teeth receiving members 13 b of thesix teeth receiving member regions of the bottom member 3.

Hence, the housing 1 is therefore formed by the coupling of the topmember 2 with the bottom member 3 and sealed by the clasping mechanisms27 and 37 as well as clasping mechanisms 13 a and 13 b joining together.It is noted that in various embodiments, either clasping mechanisms 27and 37 or 13 a and 13 b may be provided individually by themselves or incombination. Additionally, although clasping mechanisms 13 a and 13 bhave been described herein as being positioned around the perimeterportion in 6 different regions, they can be so positioned in more orless than six regions, so long as they are capable of providing a liquidproof and shock proof sealing thereby.

Accordingly, it is to be noted that the teeth and teeth receivingmembers may have any suitable configuration so long as they are capableof interacting with one another so as to couple the top and bottommembers of the housing together. Hence, the number, size, and locationof the teeth and/or corresponding teeth receiving members may vary. Forexample, one long tooth or several short teeth may be included. Theteeth and receptacles may be positioned along the entire perimeterportion or any number of sub-portions thereof. As depicted, there aresix teeth regions positioned along all four sides of the top member.However, the teeth can be positioned on the bottom member instead of thetop member and/or where desired one, two, three, four, five, six, ormore teeth regions can be included along one, two, three, four, five,six, or more sides of the top or bottom member. It is also to be notedthat the teeth and/or teeth receiving members can be positioned oneither or both of the top or bottom members as well as on the interioror exterior perimeter portions, as desired.

Due to the unique clasping system of the disclosure, as describedherein, a small latching cross section is provided, which small latchingcross section solves the problems of: how to close/assemble the housingand keep it joined together, how to minimize the material necessary tomake the housing (so thicker materials are not required in order toresist the band inflection), and ensuring the gasket, e.g., O-ring, issuitably compressed between the two case housings, thereby creating aliquid-proof and seamless seal. A unique feature of the small latchingcross section of the perimeter portion clasping mechanisms hereindepicted are that they are entirely internal to the housing 1.

By “entirely internal to the housing” is meant that the correspondingclasping mechanisms 27 and 37 and/or 13 a and 13 b are entirely withinthe bounds of the housing 1 such that when the top member 2 is coupledto the bottom member 3 the corresponding clasping mechanisms 27 and 37and/or 13 a and 13 b are contained entirely within the inside of thehousing and not exterior thereto, e.g., the clasping mechanisms may bepositioned along the inside of the perimeter of the housing 1.Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the depicted claspingmechanisms are entirely internal clasping mechanisms. By “entirelyinternal clasping mechanisms” is meant that the clasping mechanisms areconfigured for being coupled together in such a manner that when the topand bottom members are coupled together and the housing formed, theclasping mechanisms are entirely internal to the outer bounds of thehousing, e.g., they are internal to the housing, such as containedwithin an internal cavity within the housing. Such internal claspingmechanisms are internal to the housing and not observable by looking atthe external perimeter portion. Additional latching elements, such asexternal latching mechanisms, of course can further be included, e.g.,along an outside perimeter of the housing, so as to further ensure thata liquid-tight seal is provided, however they are not needed. Additionalinternal latching mechanisms may also be provided.

Hence, a plurality of clasping mechanisms both internal and/or externalmay be included as part of the housing. For instance, the housing mayinclude one or a plurality of internal clasping mechanisms and/or one ora plurality of external clasping mechanisms. As explained below ingreater detail with respect to FIG. 5, the clasping mechanisms may havea variety of different configurations. For example, the top and bottommembers may each include an internal clasping mechanism that isconfigured as opposing catches or extended portions and grooves, and/ora rib with extended protrusion member and groove configuration, hooksand loops, etc., which clasping mechanisms may circumscribe an internalportion of the perimeter of the top and bottom members. Alternatively,or in addition to the opposing catch mechanisms, the top and bottommember may include an internal clasping mechanism that is configured asmale and female counterparts, e.g., teeth and holes, as described abovewith respect to FIG. 3. Additionally or alternatively, the housing mayinclude an external clasping mechanism that may have any suitableconfiguration such as a clip or peg and slot configuration.

Also, as depicted with respect to FIG. 3B, the interior perimeterportion 30 a of the peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3 mayadditionally include a further interior portion that is comprised of oneor more flexible molded areas, such as molded areas 36 that have beenconfigured to form right hand, left hand, top, and bottom bumperportions 36. Bumpers 36 may function to assist in the placement of anelectronic device in the protective housing and/or so as to mitigateunwanted movement and/or potential damage of an electronic device withinthe protective housing 1.

An acoustic membrane feature 60 is also depicted. The acoustic membranefeature 60 is configured as a speaker transmission port having aplurality of speaker port transmission apertures or outlets (not shown),which in this embodiment are covered by a speaker transmission portwaterproof gasket 60 a. The waterproof gasket 60 a may be permeable tosound but is impermeable to liquid, including water, as well as dust,dirt, and the like. The speaker out let apertures traverse from aninterior to an exterior of the housing thereby facilitating thetransmission of sound from a speaker transmission portion of a houseddevice through and out of the housing. The waterproof gasket, of course,prevents the ingress of water into the housing through said apertures.

Also depicted is a latch feature door 71 b having a sealing gasket 78attached thereto for covering a charge port feature 70, an inner view ofthe orientation switch 90 and the volume control portion 99 a, as wellas a lens feature 80 visible on the bottom surface member 35 of thebottom member 3. Standoffs 16 a and/or bridges 16 b are shown asconfigured to raise an encased device above the plane of the bottommember surface 35.

FIG. 3C shows a downward perspective view of the front surface of thetop member 2 (left side) and a view of the front surface of the bottommember 3 (right side) depicting the two top and bottom members as theywould be when placed together upon engagement of an electronic device inthe protective housing. The home button 40 is depicted on the topperipheral portion 20 of the top member 2. Also visible in this view isthe proximity sensor portion 48 on the top member interior perimeterportion 20 a. The bottom member 3 (right side) comprises the bottommember peripheral portion 30, including a bottom member interiorperimeter portion 30 a, a bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b,and a bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30 c, as well as bottommember front surface 35 a.

The bottom member interior 30 a and middle 30 b perimeter portions forma channel 10 b into which a sealing member, such as a gasket, e.g., anO-ring may be fitted (not shown). The interior perimeter portion 30 aincludes a clasping mechanism 13 b, which in this embodiment isconfigured as a plurality of regions of a plurality of openings or teethreceiving members, e.g., teeth receptacles. Accordingly, teethreceptacles 13 b are depicted as openings passing interiorly fromchannel 10 b towards the cavity of the housing 1 on the bottom membermiddle perimeter portion 30 b, and the channel 10 b is defined by theexterior bounding wall 30 b and the interior bounding wall 30 a. Uponjoining the top member 2 with the bottom member 3, the teeth 13 a of thetop member 2 (not shown) reversibly interphase with the teethreceptacles 13 b of the bottom member 3.

The bottom member front surface 35 a of the bottom member includes righthand and left hand bumpers 36 a and 36 b respectively that assist in theplacement of an electronic device in the protective housing so as tomitigate unwanted movement and/or potential damage of an electronicdevice within the protective housing. Also depicted is a latch door 71b, comprising gasket 78 for covering a charge port feature so as toprovide a liquid-proof seal for the latch feature 70; a speakertransmission port 60 having a waterproof speaker gasket 60 a; microphonetransmission port 61, having a waterproof microphone gasket 61 a, andmicrophone gasket overmolding 61 c, as well as a lens feature 80 visibleon the top surface 35 a of the bottom member 3. Standoffs 16 a and/orbridges 16 b, which bridges 16 b together may form a standoff channel,are shown as configured to raise an encased device above the plane ofthe bottom member front surface 35 a.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 4A, a housing 1 is provided, whereinthe housing includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3, which areconfigured for being coupled together so as to form the waterproof andshockproof housing 1. In this embodiment, the top member 2 includes aperipheral portion 20 that further includes three sub-portions: aninterior perimeter portion 20 a, a middle perimeter portion 20 b, and anexterior perimeter portion 20 c. Likewise, the bottom member 3 includesa peripheral portion 30 that further includes three sub-portions: aninterior perimeter portion 30 a, a middle perimeter portion 30 b, and anexterior perimeter portion 30 c. The top member middle perimeter portionis fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material that forms a skeletalframework for the top member 2, which framework is adapted to model thecontours of the electronic device to be housed therein.

The top member 2 is configured for forming a waterproof seal whencoupled both to the electronic device 100 as well as when coupled to acorresponding bottom member 3. Accordingly, the top member 2 includes aplurality of features that facilitate these sealing functions. Forinstance, the top member interior perimeter portion 20 c is made of aflexible or semi-flexible material and is configured for including oneor both of a wiper portion and a channel portion 10 a.

The wiper portion is configured as a slanting edge that resembles awindshield wiper of an automobile and is adapted to perform a similarfunction. Specifically, the wiper section has a slanted edge portionthat serves as an interface between a top surface of a housed device andthe rigid frame of the middle perimeter portion. The slanted edge slantsinteriorly downwards from a top edge of the middle perimeter portion 20b until it meets with the top surface or edge of a housed device 100.The tip portion of the slanted edge is flexible enough to bend toconform to the top surface of the device, but rigid enough to retain itsshape. Therefore, the interface between the wiper and the top surface isa tight, cohesive interface that substantially prevents the ingress ofliquid and/or dust and/or dirt underneath the wiper.

The channel portion 10 a is formed exteriorly to the wiper portion andis comprised of both interior and exterior channel walls 11 a and 11 b,which walls are configured for retaining a top member sealing member,e.g., gasket 15 a, therein. The gasket may a separate member that isadded to the channel or it may be preformed along with the channel so asto be one piece therewith. The gasket may be any suitable sealing membercapable of performing the function of engaging a top or top edge surfaceof the electronic device to be housed, being compressed thereby, andconsequently forming a waterproof and/or dustproof sealing therewith. Incertain embodiments the gasket is an O-ring, such as a hollow O-ringthat is capable of being compressed from a first expanded diameter to asecond compressed diameter, such as from 1-50% of its original,non-compressed diameter. In some instances, this compression may be from1-75%.

The top member 2 is additionally configured for engaging a bottom member3 in such a manner that as the housing 1 is formed, the interfacebetween the top and bottom members forms a waterproof and/or dust and/ordirtproof seal. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the bottom member 3includes a bottom member channel 10 b that includes a bottom membergasket 15 b. This gasket may have the same functionalities as that ofthe top member gasket 15 a, however, it is typically not hollow and istypically less compressible. The compressibility of this gasket is fromabout 1% to 30%, but may range from 1% to 50%.

The bottom member 3 and/or its component parts may be comprised of thesame or different materials. As depicted with reference to FIG. 4A thebottom member is composed of a bottom member that forms a bottom memberfront surface 35 a that is configured for receiving the bottom-backsurface of the device to be housed so as to cradle the device therein.Accordingly, in this embodiment the bottom member surface is adapted tothe contours of the back surface of the device to be retained. Hence theback surface may be substantially flat and planar or may be curved, orthe like. Further, in this embodiment, the back surface 35 a has aperipheral portion 30 that is primarily contiguous with the back surface35 a and thus fabricated from the same material. The bottom memberperipheral portion 30, however, may be configured to include variousdifferent features such as a bottom member channel 10 b. The bottommember channel 10 b is bounded by the bottom member interior perimeterportion 30 a and the bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b.

In this embodiment, both the top member 2 and the bottom member 3peripheral portions 20 and 30 both include flexible or semi-flexibleexterior perimeter portions 20 c and 30 c, respectively, that arecoupled to their respective frameworks such as by molding, e.g.,overmolding. These flexible overmolded portions function in part toprovide a shockproof cushioning for the housing 1.

As indicated above, the coupling of the top member 2 with the bottommember 3 is such that a waterproof and/or dust and/or dirtproof sealingis accomplished by said coupling. To help effectuate this coupling thetop member 2 middle perimeter portion 20 b includes an elongated memberthat extends downwards from the plane of the top member surface. Thisextended member is formed as a raised ridge 26. In this embodiment, theraised ridge member 26 is configured for being received within thechannel 10 b of the bottom member 3 and for performing at least aplurality of functions therein.

First, it includes a top member first and a second clasping mechanism 27and 13 a, both of which are configured for engaging correspondingclasping mechanisms 37 and 13 b on the bottom member 3. Secondly, itincludes a bottom gasket interface surface that is configured forengaging and compressing a bottom member gasket 15 b. Hence, as the topmember raised ridge portion 26 impinges into the bottom member channel10 b, its top surface engages and compresses the bottom member gasket 15b, and its first and second clasping mechanisms 27 and 13 a engage theircorresponding bottom member clasping mechanisms 37 and 13 b therebygenerating the waterproof and/or dustproof and/or dirtproof sealing atthe interface between the top member 2 and bottom member 3 when they arecoupled together to form the housing 1. As indicated, to effectuate afirm and secure sealing the bottom member 3 includes both a first and asecond clasping mechanism 37 and 13 b. In this embodiment, the firstclasping mechanism is positioned on the bottom member middle perimeterportion 30 b and the second clasping mechanism is positioned on thebottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a. However, as describedherein, this positioning may differ where the first and second claspingmechanisms are positioned at different positions along the top andbottom members and/or have different configurations as described herein.It is also to be noted that although two clasping mechanisms aredescribed, one, two, three or more clasping mechanisms may be included.

As indicated above, a top 2 and bottom 3 member of the housing 1 isconfigured to include one or more clasping mechanisms that may have oneof a number of different configurations and may be positioned within thehousing at a number of different places. Accordingly, the remainder ofthe description of FIGS. 4A-4N is directed to a number of differentconfigurations for the referenced clasping mechanisms. It is to beunderstood that this description is for exemplary purposes only and isnot meant to be unduly limiting. The various clasping mechanisms hereindescribed may be employed individually or in combination with oneanother.

Accordingly, with respect to FIG. 4A, the top 2 and bottom 3 membersinclude a first and a second clasping mechanism. The first claspingmechanism is configured as follows. The first clasping mechanism 27 ofthe top member includes a slanting surface 28 that is intersected by anintersecting surface 29. Together the slanting surface 28 and theintersecting surface 29 form an edge, or lip, or a groove, or catch thatcomprises the clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2. The slantingsurface 28 and intersecting surface 29 form an angle. Additionally, thefirst clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member has a correspondingconfiguration that includes a slanting surface 38 that is intersected byan intersecting surface 39. Together the slanting surface 38 and theintersecting surface 39 form an edge, or lip, or a groove, or catch thatcomprises the clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3. The slantingsurface 38 and intersecting surface 39 form an angle. For instance, theslanting surfaces of the first clasping mechanism may slope with respectto the intersecting surface at a degree that ranges from 0 to about 90degrees, such as from about 5 or about 10 degrees to about 80 or 85degrees, for instance, from about 15 or 20 degrees to about 70 or 75degrees, such as from about 30 or 40 degrees to about 50 or 60 degrees,including about 45 degrees.

Accordingly, the clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 is configuredfor engaging a corresponding clasping mechanism 37 of bottom member 3.The corresponding clasping mechanisms may have corresponding surfaces,e.g., lip or edge regions or may have different, but complimentarysurfaces. In this instance, the top member 2 has a peripheral portion 20having a clasping mechanism 27 that includes a lip or edge region thatcomprises a slanting surface 28 that is intersected by an intersectingsurface 29. Likewise, the bottom member 3 has a peripheral portion 30having a clasping mechanism 37 that also includes a lip or edge regionthat comprises a slanting surface 38 that is intersected by anintersecting surface 39. In this embodiment, the corresponding lip oredge regions are configured for being coupled together.

It is to be noted that although a particular configuration of claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 are depicted, e.g., as corresponding catch claspingmechanisms, other configurations may also be suitable, for instance,where the slanted surfaces are straight or substantially straight, etc.For example, in one embodiment, one of a top or bottom member may have aclasping member configured as described above, e.g., having a lip edgeregion, and the corresponding member may have a clasping member that isconfigured as a receiving element, such as a groove, e.g. acircumferential groove, that is adapted for receiving the correspondinglip edge of the opposing member.

In this instance, the slanting surface 28 and the intersecting surface39 comprise the clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2, whichclasping mechanism is configured for engaging corresponding surfaces ofthe bottom member 3 clasping mechanism 37. Together the top and bottomclasping mechanisms 27 and 37 respectively form opposing snap closuresthat are configured for interacting with one another in such a mannerthat when they are coupled together, e.g., snapped together, they sealthe housing, for instance, in a liquid-proof seal.

It is to be noted in this embodiment, the clasping mechanisms 27 and 37are entirely internal clasping mechanism that circumscribe the entireperimeter of the housing. Although the top and bottom claspingmechanisms have been described herein with respect to one particularconfiguration, e.g., entirely internal and circumscribing the entireperimeter portion, it is to be understood that this configuration is anon-limiting example and may be modified in various ways so long as theclasping mechanisms are capable of being joined together in a mannersufficient to couple the top and bottom members together and therebyseal the housing.

The housing 1 additionally includes a second clasping mechanism, whichclasping mechanism may be employed in addition or as an alternative toone or more of the clasping mechanisms set forth herein. In thisembodiment, the second clasping mechanism 13 includes one or moresections of one or more teeth 13 a. The corresponding clasping mechanism13 of bottom member 3 includes one or more sections of one or more teethreceiving members 13 b. The tooth or teeth 13 of top member 2 areconfigured for interfacing with the tooth or teeth receiving members 13b of the bottom member 3 in such a way that as the teeth 13 a arecoupled with the teeth receiving members 13 b, the top member 2 andbottom member 3 are coupled together so as to form the housing 1.

For instance, in certain embodiments, the teeth 13 a may be positionedalong a perimeter portion of a top 2 or bottom 3 member, and thecorresponding member will have the teeth receiving members 13 b. In thisinstance, the teeth 13 a of the top member 2 are positioned along aninterior facing surface of the raised ridge member 26 of the top membermiddle perimeter portion 20 b, and the teeth receiving members 13 b ofthe bottom member 3 are positioned along an interior perimeter portion30 a of the bottom member 3. However, in other instances, the teeth maybe positioned along a perimeter portion of the bottom member, and theteeth receiving members may be positioned along a perimeter portion ofthe top member.

The teeth 13 a and teeth receiving members 13 b may be included alongseveral regions along the interior surface of the top and/or bottommembers 2 and 3. Each teeth/receiving region may include one or aplurality of teeth/receiving openings. The teeth extend laterally andinternally toward the internal cavity of the housing away from thelongitudinal length of the raised ridge 26 of the top member 2. Theteeth 13 are configured for being received within corresponding teethreceiving members 13 b of the bottom member 3. Also, as depicted, theteeth receiving members 13 b are configured as apertures within whichthe teeth 13 a may be fitted. Accordingly, as the top member 2 iscoupled to the bottom member 3 the teeth 13 a of teeth regions interfaceand engage with the teeth receiving members 13 b of the teeth receivingmember regions of the bottom member 3 and the housing 1 is thereforeformed by the coupling of the top member 2 with the bottom member 3 andsealed by the clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 as well as claspingmechanisms 13 a and 13 b joining together.

It is to be noted that the teeth and teeth receiving members may haveany suitable configuration so long as they are capable of interactingwith one another so as to couple the top and bottom members of thehousing together. Hence, the number, size, and location of the teethand/or corresponding teeth receiving members may vary. For example, onelong tooth or several short teeth may be included. The teeth may bepositioned along the entire perimeter portion or any number ofsub-portions thereof. However, the teeth can be positioned on the bottommember instead of the top member and/or where desired one, two, three,or more teeth regions can be included along one, two, three, or moresides of the top or bottom member.

Likewise, one long tooth receiving member or several short teethreceiving members may be included. The teeth receiving members may bepositioned along the entire perimeter portion or any number ofsub-portions thereof. The teeth receiving members are configured so asto correspond to and interact with the teeth members so as to secure andseal the housing when the top and bottom members are coupled together.It is to be noted that the teeth and/or teeth receiving members can bepositioned on either or both of the top or bottom members as well as onthe interior or exterior perimeter portions, as desired.

FIG. 4B depicts a left-hand cross section portion of the claspingmechanism of the housing 1 of FIG. 4A. The housing 1 includes a firstinterior clasping mechanism 27 and 37, as well as a second interiorclasping mechanism 13 a and 13 b interiorly to the first. As depicted,the interior clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 as well as 13 a and 13 b areentirely internal clasping mechanisms. The entirely internal claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 circumscribe the entire internal circumference ofthe perimeter of the housing 1. This entirely internal claspingmechanism 27 and 37 effectively seal the housing in such a manner thatthe seal is internal to the housing. As depicted, the entirely internalclasping mechanism is configured as a catch-and-groove claspingmechanism.

For instance, the top member includes an internal clasping mechanismconfigured as an extended lip or catch 27, and the bottom memberincludes a corresponding internal clasping mechanism configured as agroove 37, which groove runs circumferentially along an interior face ofthe bottom member middle perimeter portion. The top member lip or catch27 and bottom member groove 37 are configured for being coupled togetherso as to seal the housing members 2 and 3 one with the other. Likewise,the top member includes an internal clasping mechanism configured as aplurality of regions of a plurality of teeth 13 a, and the bottom memberincludes a corresponding internal clasping mechanism configured as aplurality of regions of a plurality of corresponding teeth receivingreceptacles 13 b, which regions run circumferentially along theirrespective peripheral portions. The top member teeth 13 a and bottommember receptacles 13 b are configured for being coupled together so asto seal the housing members 2 and 3 one with the other. It is to benoted that although the first and second clasping mechanisms aredepicted as particular internal clasping mechanisms, in a certainembodiment, other variations to these entirely internal claspingmechanisms can be provided without departing from the nature of thisdisclosure. For instance, in certain instances, the clasping mechanismneed not circumscribe the entire perimeter portion of the top and/orbottom member, need not be entirely internal, and may be configureddifferently from the catch and groove configuration set forth herein.

For instance, FIG. 4C provides a different configuration of a claspingmechanism 27 and 37 of the disclosure. In this embodiment, claspingmechanism is configured as either a “T” or a “J” shape, wherein theundersurfaces of the horizontal tines of the T or the J include sealinggaskets, which gaskets are configured for engaging corresponding surfaceof either a housed device or housing member. It is to be noted thatalthough the horizontal surface of the “T” or “J” is depicted as flat,it could be curved or bent or otherwise slanted at an angle from 1-180degrees dependent on the type of housing to be employed.

Accordingly, the housing 1 includes a single clasping mechanism that isdesigned to interface with a device to be inserted in the housing insuch a manner that when inserted a surface of the device abuts thelatching mechanism thereby serving as a supporting member that keeps thelatching mechanism of the housing engaged, so long as the device isretained within the housing.

Accordingly, with respect to FIG. 4C, a housing 1 is provided, whereinthe housing includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3, which areconfigured for being coupled together so as to form the waterproof andshockproof housing 1. In this embodiment, the top member 2 includes asingle perimeter portion 20, however, in various other instances, thetop member may include a peripheral portion 20 that further includesthree sub-portions: an interior perimeter portion 20 a, a middleperimeter portion 20 b, and an exterior perimeter portion 20 c. In thisembodiment, the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 is configuredfor framing and providing shock proof protection to the housing 1. Thebottom member 3 includes a peripheral portion that includes threesub-portions: an interior perimeter portion 30 a, configured as acushioning and/or spacing member; a middle perimeter portion 30 b,configured as a rigid skeletal framing member, and an exterior perimeterportion 30 c, configured as a cushioning bumper portion for providingshockproof protection to the housing 1. The top member perimeter portion20 is fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material that forms askeletal framework for the top member 2, which framework is adapted tomodel the contours of the electronic device to be housed therein.

The top member 2 is configured for forming a waterproof seal whencoupled both to the electronic device 100 as well as when coupled to acorresponding bottom member 3. Accordingly, the top member 2 includes aplurality of features that facilitate these sealing functions. Forinstance, the top member includes a plurality of channel members 10 aand 10 c that are configured for receiving therein a plurality ofsealing members, e.g., gaskets 15 a and 15 c, which channel and gasketmembers are adapted for forming a waterproof and/or dustproof and/orshockproof seal when the top member is coupled to both a housedelectronic device and bottom member so as to form the housing 1 aroundthe electronic device.

In particular, in this embodiment, the top member perimeter portionincludes a raised ridge member 26 that bounds both the first channel 10a on one side and the second channel 10 c on another side. With respectto the first channel 10 a, the raised ridge member 26 forms an exteriorchannel bounding member; and with respect to the second channel 10 c,the raised rigid member 26 forms an interior channel bounding member.The top member perimeter portion 20 may further be configured such thatit includes a first channel interior bounding member, and furtherconfigured such that it also includes a second channel exterior boundingmember, although it is noted that one or both of these bounding memberneed not be present.

The first channel 10 a includes a first sealing member such as a gasket15 a. The gasket is configured for engaging a top surface of a devicewhen the device is coupled to the top member, and which coupling resultsin a waterproof and/or shockproof and/or dirtproof sealing beinggenerated between the first gasket 15 a and a top surface or top edge ofthe electronic device. The interior perimeter edge of the top memberperimeter portion 20 at this interface may be configured as a wiperportion, as described above. Also, as described above, this gasket maybe hollow and compressible from 1 to 75%.

The second channel 10 c includes a second sealing member such as agasket 15 c. The gasket is configured for engaging a gasket engagingsurface 36 of a middle perimeter portion 30 b of a bottom member 3 whenthe top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3, and which couplingresults in a waterproof and/or shockproof and/or dirtproof sealing beinggenerated between the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 when the twoare coupled together so as to form the housing 1, such as by thecompression of the second gasket 15 c within the second channel 10 c,via pressure asserted against it by the gasket engaging surface 36 ofthe bottom member middle perimeter member. This seal is furthereffectuated by the coupling of the top member clasping mechanism 27engaging with the bottom member clasping mechanism 37, as describedherein. As described above, this gasket may be hollow, but is typicallynot hollow and is typically compressible from 1 to 30%.

Accordingly, the top member 2 is configured for engaging a bottom member3 in such a manner that as the housing 1 is formed, the interfacebetween the top and bottom members forms a waterproof and/or dust and/ordirtproof seal. To effectuate this coupling the top member perimeterportion 20 includes an elongated member 26 that extends downwards fromthe plane of the top member surface. This extended member is formed as araised ridge 26. In this embodiment, the raised ridge member 26 isconfigured for engaging an extended portion 36 of the bottom membermiddle perimeter portion 30 b, which portion includes both a gasketabutting surface and a clasping mechanism 37 that is configured forengaging a corresponding clasping mechanism 27 of a top member 2.

The top member raised ridge includes a top member clasping mechanism 27.The top member clasping mechanism includes a surface 28 (see also FIG.4J), which surface is depicted as slanted. It is to be noted thatalthough this surface is depicted as slanted, in certain embodiments, itmay have a different configuration, for instance, it may besubstantially straight. The top surface clasping mechanism 27 alsoincludes an intersecting surface, which in this instance is also aninterfacing surface 29 (see also FIG. 4J). The interfacing surface 29 isdepicted as a horizontal surface that intersects surface 28. However,this configuration may be modified so long as a suitable claspingmechanism is formed thereby. In this manner a lip or edge is formed,which edge is configured for interfacing with a corresponding claspingmechanism, e.g., a lip edge or groove member, of a bottom member so asto couple and seal the top and bottom members together.

The bottom member 3 also includes a raised ridge member 36. The bottommember raised ridge 36 includes a bottom member clasping mechanism 37.The bottom member clasping mechanism includes a surface 38 (see alsoFIG. 4J), which surface is depicted as slanted. It is to be noted thatalthough this surface is depicted as slanted, in certain embodiments, itmay have a different configuration, for instance, it may besubstantially straight. The bottom surface clasping mechanism 37 alsoincludes an intersecting surface, which in this instance is also aninterfacing surface 39 (see also FIG. 4J). The interfacing surface 39 isdepicted as a horizontal surface that intersects surface 38. However,this configuration may be modified so long as a suitable claspingmechanism is formed thereby. In this manner a lip or edge is formed,which edge is configured for interfacing with a corresponding claspingmechanism, e.g., a lip edge or groove member, of a bottom member so asto couple and seal the top and bottom members together.

It is to be noted, that in this embodiment, the top member raised ridge26 further includes a device engaging surface that is configured so asto engage a side or edge surface of a housed device. This engagementacts as a bounding and supporting member for effectuating the sealing ofthe housing. For instance, a suitable surface of the housed device formsa bounding member against which the lateral, internal movement of theraised ridge member 26 is prevented by the presence of the device.Hence, the raised ridge member is prevented from moving inwards whilethe device is housed within the housing. First, the bottom member 3would have to be decoupled from the top member 2, then the deviceremoved before the raised ridge member could move inwardly. In thismanner, a waterproof and shockproof sealing of the housing 1 around anelectronic device is ensured.

As depicted with respect to FIG. 4C, the bottom member 3 includes arigid middle perimeter portion that forms the framework for receivingthe electronic device therein, and further includes an interiorperimeter portion formed as an interior shock absorbing and/orcushioning portion, as well as an exterior perimeter portion forming anouter shockproof layer. These portions may be fabricated from the samematerials or different materials from the rigid middle member, and incertain instances, the rigid middle perimeter portion is fabricated fromnylon, polycarbonate, or other materials having a flexural modulus of200 or greater 300 or greater or 350 and greater, and the interiorand/or outer perimeter portions may be fabricated from a more flexiblematerial such as rubber and/or TPE and/or polypropylene. Additionally,other clasping mechanisms may also be employed with respect to joiningthe top and bottom members of the housing together in addition to or insubstitution for those detailed herein. For instance, the housing 1 mayadditionally include an external latch feature, such as a clip, buckle,lock, or the like. For example, the external latch feature may be anentirely external latch feature, such as one or more clamps or clampregions. The one or more clamps can be positioned on the outside of thehousing and configured for clamping down and thereby exerting a couplingforce onto the top and bottom members so as to couple the two memberstogether and seal the housing.

FIG. 4D provides a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 4C, howeverin this embodiment the device to be housed and retained within thehousing comprises a square or rectangular configuration, wherein thedevice to be housed and/or retained in the housing described in FIG. 4Chas a curved or rounded configuration, such as a curved back portion.

FIG. 4E provides a perspective view of the housing 1 of FIG. 4C, whereina device 100 is actually housed and retained within the housing, and thetop member extended ridge member 26 is engaged with a top corner edgeand side of the device, which engagement prevents the lateral, internalmovement of the ridge member 26 towards the interior of the housing. Inthis instance, the device 100 serves as a tensioning point and interiorbounding member for the housing, especially with respect to theelongated ridge member 26 of the top member 2.

FIG. 4F provides the same view of a similar housing as provided in FIG.4E, however, in this embodiment the device 100 housed and retainedwithin the case has a square or rectangular configuration, where as thedevice 100 retained within the housing depicted in FIG. 4E has arounded, or curved back configuration.

FIGS. 4G-4J provide different perspective views of the housings of FIGS.4D and 4E.

FIGS. 4K-4M provide different perspective views of an alternativeclasping mechanism for a housing 1 of the disclosure. In this embodimentboth the top 2 and bottom 3 member have a complementary configurationadapted for receiving a third locking element 4 therewithin so as tocouple the top 2 and bottom 3 members together. For instance, the topmember 2 includes a clasping configuration 26 that is configured as an“L” shaped ledge member extending downwards from the peripheral portion20 of the top member 2.

As depicted, the bottom surface of the top member peripheral portionincludes a gasket 10 a configured for interfacing with a top surface ofa housed device in the manner described above. Likewise, the bottommember 3 includes a clasping configuration 36 that is also configured asan “L” shaped ledge member extending upwards from the peripheral portion30 of the bottom member 3.

As depicted, the bottom surface of the bottom member spans from oneperimeter to the other thereby covering an entire back surface of thehoused device, however, in other embodiments, the bottom member 3 mayhave a configuration that is substantially identical to the top member2, in which case, the bottom member peripheral portion 30 would alsoinclude a gasket 10 b (not shown) configured for interfacing with abottom surface of a housed device in the manner described above. In suchan instance, neither the top member 2 nor the bottom member 3 needinclude a surface, such as a membrane, spanning from one perimeterportion to the other, e.g., from one side the other.

As depicted, the top member clasping mechanism 26 and the bottom memberclasping mechanism 36 are both configured for receiving correspondingclasping mechanisms 4 a and 4 b of the locking element 4. In thisembodiment, the locking element 4 is configured as an elongated memberthat spans a substantial portion of the side perimeter portions of thetop 2 and bottom 3 members. The elongated locking element 4 includes aclasping mechanism 4 a that is configured for engaging its correspondingclasping mechanism 26 of top member 2, and further includes a claspingmechanism 4 b that is configured for engaging its corresponding claspingmechanism 36 of bottom member 3. In this manner, the locking element 4is capable of engaging top 2 and bottom 3 members together around ahoused device and compressing the two around the device thereby formingand sealing the housing 1.

As depicted, the locking element 4 and corresponding clasping mechanismare configured as a slide member that may be slid into engagement withboth the top 2 and bottom 3 members. However, it is understood thatalthough particular clasping mechanism configurations have beendescribed, these configurations may differ as described herein.Additionally, as depicted with respect to FIGS. 4L and 4M the lockingelement may additionally include a sealing element, e.g., a gasket 10 cto better secure the waterproof sealing of the device within thehousing. Other gaskets could also be included, such as at either of thelock engaging interfaces.

FIG. 4N provides a different perspective view of an alternative claspingmechanism for a housing 1 of the disclosure. The clasping mechanism ofthis embodiment is configured as an “F” latch. In this embodiment thetop member 2 is figured so as to have an “F” configuration, wherein eachtine of the “F” includes a top member clasping mechanism that isdesigned to engage a corresponding clasping mechanism of a correspondingbottom member 3.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the top member 2 includes a relativelyplanar peripheral portion 20 that includes two elongated and extendedraised ridge members 26 a and 26 b. Each of the raised ridge members 26a and 26 b include a clasping mechanism 27 a and 27 b respectively onits distal portion, which clasping mechanism is configured for engagingcorresponding clasping mechanisms 37 a and 37 b of bottom member 3. Thetop member 2 therefore can be considered to include an “F” like latchconfiguration, wherein it includes an exterior latching member 26 a andan interior latching member 26 b. It is noted that an interior surfaceof the interior latching member 26 a engages a side edge or surface of ahoused device, which interaction prevents the lateral movement of theraised interior raised ridge member 26 a interiorly towards the centerof the housing. Further, one or both of the interior facing surfaces ofthe “F” member may include a gasket, such as gaskets 10 a and 10 b,which gaskets function to provide a waterproof sealing between thevarious members of the housing and/or the housed electronic device asdiscussed herein. It is to be noted that each of the correspondingclasping mechanisms have been depicted as having slanted edge catch likeconfigurations, such as like those described herein above with respectto FIG. 4A, one or both of these clasping mechanisms may be configureddifferently, as described herein.

FIG. 5A is a close up perspective view of the top member proximal frontportion 21 of the housing of FIG. 1A. The home button 40 and home buttonuser interphase 41 a are disposed on the top member middle perimeterportion 20 b, which is shown with the top member interior perimeterportion 20 a and the top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c abuttingthe top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. It is to be noted that thetop member middle perimeter portion 20 b may be fabricated from a morerigid, stiff material, e.g., polycarbonate, so as to provide astructural frame for the top member 2. Additionally, one or both of theinterior 20 a and exterior 20 c perimeter portions may be fabricatedfrom a relatively more flexible material, e.g., TPE, so as to provide ameasure of water resistant-waterproof protection and/or shock and/ordrop proof protection. It is noted that the proximal portion of theproximal peripheral member 20 has a raised or convex circumferentialprofile in this region that surrounds and accommodates the home button40 and provides an enlarged surface having the top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a the interior edge to facilitate a waterproof sealproximal to the home button of the top surface of a housed electronicdevice. A latch port opening 71 a for covering a charge port, latch portbounding member 72 and a latch ramp receiving member 76 are also shown.

FIG. 5B is a close up perspective view looking down at the top frontportion of the housing of FIG. 5A. Like FIG. 5A, the home button 40 andhome button user interphase 41 a are shown on the top member middleperimeter portion 20 b, which is shown with the top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a and the top member exterior perimeter portion 20c adjacent to the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. Alsodepicted are the latch port opening 71 a, a latch port bounding member72, and a latch ramp receiving member 76 depicted with as a groove isalso shown.

FIG. 5C is a close up perspective view looking down at the top member 2back surface of the top peripheral portion 20 of the housing of FIG. 5A.As can be seen a profile of the home button 40 is depicted, with thehome button seal 41 c and home button device interface 41 d clearlyshown. Accordingly, the home button is sealed against the intrusion ofwater through the home button housing interface by the home buttonsealing member 41 c. Additionally, the home button device interface 41 dfunctions so as to transmit a downwards pushing force to an underlyinghome button of a housed electronic device having such a home button. Thehome button seal 41 c and user interface 41 d are disposed on anunderside of the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. The topmember middle perimeter portion is shown as being between the interiorperimeter portion 20 a and the top member exterior perimeter portion 20c. As can be seen, the proximal peripheral member 20 has a convexcircumferential profile in this region that is configured to provide anenlarged surface area so as to surround a home button of a housed deviceand thereby facilitate a waterproof seal forming proximal to the homebutton of the top surface of a housed electronic device.

From top to bottom on the right side of this view, the top memberexterior portion 20 c, top member middle portion 20 b, and top memberinterior portion 20 a are contiguous, where a top member channel 10 a isshown as a groove within the top member interior perimeter portion 20,which groove is bounded by interior and exterior top member channelbounding members 11 a and 11 b, respectively. A seal, such as an O-ring15 a is positioned within the channel 10 a and configured for providinga waterproof and/or water resistant seal when the top member is coupledto an electronic device to be housed and/or the top member 2 is coupledto the bottom member 3 to form the housing 1. Hence, the top memberchannel 10 a gasket 15 a facilitates a waterproof seal between the topmember 2 and the bottom member 3 upon engagement. In this view, deviceretention teeth 96 a and 96 b which function to align, orientate, and/orsecure an electronic device, protrude downward from the top membermiddle perimeter portion 20 b.

FIG. 5D is a close up perspective view looking at the top member 2peripheral member 20 back surface of the front proximal portion 21 ofthe housing of FIG. 5A at a downward angular view. From top to bottom onthe right side of this view, the top member middle perimeter portion 20b and top member interior perimeter portion 20 a are contiguous, inwhich a top member channel 10 a is shown positioned within the topmember interior perimeter portion 20 a bounded by interior and exteriortop member channel bounding walls 11 a and 11 b, respectively. Gasket 15a is not shown. In this view, device retention teeth 96 a and 96 b arealso shown. The device retention teeth 96 function in part to align,orientate, and/or secure an electronic device, protrude inward away fromthe top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. A home button sealingmember 41 c and home button device interface 41 d are formed as part ofthe top member middle perimeter portion 20 b to provide a usableinterface with an electronic device. An electrical transmission port,e.g., charge port, opening 71 a is also shown, bounded by a rigid portbounding member 72.

FIG. 6A is a close up perspective view looking at the top member 2peripheral portion 20 back surface at the corner front portion of thehousing of FIG. 1A at a downward angular view. From left to right on theupper left portion of this Figure, the top member exterior perimeterportion 20 c, top member middle perimeter portion 20 b, and top memberinterior perimeter portion 20 a are shown.

The exterior perimeter portion 20 c is configured as a shock-absorbingportion composed of a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as TPE.It forms an outer boundary for the top member 2 and housing 1, when thetop member 2 is aligned with a corresponding boundary member of a bottommember 3 so as to form the housing 1.

The middle perimeter portion 20 b is configured as a rigid framingmember having an extended ridge 26 protruding therefrom at an anglesubstantially normal to the plane of an electronic device as it would bewhen fitted into the housing. It is to be understood that the recitedangle may be more or less than 90 degrees. The raised ridge member 26also includes a plurality of raised ridge alignment members 17positioned on a top surface of the ridge and which function for thepurpose of aligning and securing the top member 2 with the bottom member3 when forming the housing 1. The raised ridge member 26 also includes afirst and a second clasping mechanism 27 and 13 a, respectively, whereinthe first clasping mechanism is configured as a protruding lip member 27extending outward away from an exterior side surface of the raised ridge26, and the second clasping mechanism 13 a is configured as a pluralityof interiorly extended tabs or teeth elements 13 a that protrude inwardsfrom an interior side surface of the raised ridge 26.

The interior perimeter portion 20 a is configured to include twodistinct features that interact cooperatively with one another togenerate a waterproof and/or water resistant sealing of the top member 2such as when the top member is coupled to an electronic device and/orcoupled to the bottom member 3 so as to form the housing 1. Forinstance, the interior perimeter portion 20 a includes a channel member10 a having a sealable gasket 15 a positioned therein, and the interiorperimeter portion 20 a includes a wiper portion adapted to interfacewith a top surface of an electronic device so as form a smooth interfacetherewith, which interface functions in part to reduce the impingementof water and/or dust and/or underneath the wiper and into the housing.

A single device retention member, e.g., tooth 96 b, which may assist inaligning, orientating, and/or securing an electronic device, is depictedon the member middle perimeter portion 20 b. A home button sealingmember 41 c and home button device interface 41 d are also shown as partof the top member interior perimeter portion 20 a, which togetherfunction to provide a waterproof seal and usable interface with anelectronic device that is housed within the housing.

Two top member raised ridge member 17 a are configured as teeth thatprotrudes above and away from the top surface of the raised ridgedmember 26 of the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b such that eachtop member raised ridge tooth member 17 a is capable on engaging with acorresponding bottom member raised ridge tooth or teeth 17 b (notshown).

In addition to these tooth members 17 a, also depicted in thisembodiment are teeth 13 a that comprise part of a second claspingmechanism 13 for the housing 1. The teeth 13 a of the second claspingmechanism are configured for reversibly engaging with correspondingteeth receptacles 13 b of a bottom member 3 (not shown), where each ofthe top member teeth 13 a protrudes into corresponding bottom member 3teeth receptacles 13 b upon engagement of the top member 2 with thebottom member 3. The top member 2 also includes a first claspingmechanism 27 that is configured as a protruding lip member 27 that isconfigured for being received within a corresponding receiving member,e.g., groove 37 (not shown), of the bottom member 3 upon engagement ofthe top member 2 with the bottom member 3.

Additionally, given the configuration of the interior perimeter portionchannel 10 a, gasket 15 a, and wiper portion, the top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a may function as seal against the surface of anelectronic device in a manner that is functionally similar to that of awindow wiper against a windshield, and as such is typically comprised ofsoft materials that are pliable so as to facilitate these portions inthe formation of one or more seal with other members.

FIG. 6B is a close up perspective view looking at the top member 2peripheral portion 20 back surface of the corner front portion of thehousing of FIG. 1A. Depicted from the outer corner top member peripheralportion 20, the top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c comprises thecorner edge shown in this Figure, with the top member middle perimeterportion 20 b shown immediately interior and adjacent, and the top memberinterior perimeter portion 20 a immediately interior and adjacent so asto form the interior boundary of the corner section depicted in thisFigure.

The exterior perimeter portion 20 c is configured as a flat surface thatforms an extended ledge upon which the raised ridge member 26 ispositioned and extends away from. The raised ridge 26 has three surfacesshown, an exterior surface having a protruding lip 27 extending awayexteriorly at an angle from 0-90 degrees from a center line extendingparallel through the raised ridge. An exterior surface having aprotruding lip 27 extending away exteriorly away from the housing 1 atan angle from 0-90 degrees from a center line extending parallel throughthe raised ridge. An interior surface having extended teeth 13 extendingaway interiorly toward the center of the housing 1 at an angle from 0-90degrees from a center line extending parallel through the raised ridge.And a top surface which as embodied is planar but includes to raisedridge teeth 17 that extend above the top surface of the raised ridgedmember 26 proximal to the corner of the top member middle portion 20 b.Each of the two top member raised ridge teeth 17 is capable on engagingwith a corresponding bottom member raised ridge tooth 17 b (not shown).More or less of these tooth elements can be included on correspondingportions of the top and bottom members. The top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a defines an interior corner in this view thatcorresponds to the shape of an electronic device such that the topmember interior perimeter portion 20 a seals against the surface of anelectronic device when placed in the protective housing.

FIG. 6C is a close up perspective view looking at a corner of theprotective housing 1 detailing the bottom member 3 peripheral portion 30top surface (top) and the top member 2 peripheral member 20 bottomsurface of the corner front portion of the housing of FIG. 6B, eachmember shown in alignment as the two would interact when one member isflipped over in orientation (not shown).

The bottom member 3 peripheral portion 30 includes an external perimeterportion 30 c, a middle perimeter portion 30 b, and an interior perimeterportion 30 a. The exterior perimeter portion 30 c is configured inconjunction with a flat surface that forms an extended ledge upon whichledge the middle and interior perimeter portions are positioned. Theexterior perimeter portion 30 c includes a flexible material that isconfigured so as to align and abut a corresponding exterior perimeterportion 20 c of a top member 2, such as when the top 2 and bottom 3members are aligned and coupled to form the housing 1. These portionsmay be fabricated from a semi-flexible or flexible material andconfigured for providing the housing with shock and/or drop proofprotection.

The bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b and bottom memberinterior perimeter portion 30 a are spaced apart from one another so asto from a bottom member channel 10 b, which channel is configured forreceiving a bottom member sealing gasket 15 b (not shown) therein. Thebottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b is formed as a raised ridgethat extends away from the bottom surface of the bottom member and isconfigured to form an exterior bounding wall for the channel 10 b. Thismiddle perimeter portion includes a clasping mechanism 37 that isconfigured as an extended groove that is adapted for receiving acorresponding clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2, which isconfigured as a protruding lip, there within.

The bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a is also formed as araised ridge that extends away from the bottom surface and is configuredto form an interior bounding wall for the channel 10 b. This interiorperimeter portion includes a clasping mechanism 13 b that is configuredas a plurality of detents that are adapted for receiving a correspondingclasping mechanism 13 a of the top member 2, which are configured as aplurality extended tabs or teeth, there within. Additionally, the bottommember middle perimeter portion 30 b has a bottom member raised ridgetooth 17 b depicted here as protruding upward from a top surface of thebottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b.

The top member 2 (bottom) is configured to reversibly engage with thebottom member 3. The top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c isdepicted as a curving about the corner view so as to define the outerperiphery of the corner, with the top member middle perimeter portion 20b being disposed internal and interconnected with the top memberexterior perimeter portion 20 c.

A raised ridge member 26 is depicted here as extending upward from a topsurface of the middle perimeter portion 20 b, with two top member raisedteeth 17 a disposed thereon surrounding the curved raised ridge member26. As can be seen in this embodiment, the two top member raised teeth17 a are configured to align with a corresponding raised tooth (teeth)17 b of a bottom member 3, so as to align and help maintain the couplingof the top 2 and bottom 3 members, especially during dropping such as ata corner of the housing.

The top member raised ridge member 26 of the top member 2 includes aplurality of clasping mechanisms 27 and 13 a, which are configured as aprotruding lip region 27, configured to engage a corresponding claspingmechanism, e.g., configured as an extended groove member 37, of a bottommember 3; and a series of extended teeth elements 13 a, configured toengage a corresponding clasping mechanism, e.g., configured ascorresponding teeth receptacles 13 b, of bottom member 3. Accordingly,the raised ridge 26 of the top member 2 may include an interior surfacehaving extended teeth 13 extending away interiorly toward the center ofthe housing 1 at an angle from 0-90 degrees from a center line extendingparallel through the raised ridge. The raised ridge member 26 isconfigured to protrude into bottom member channel 10 b upon engagementof the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 of the protective housing.Also depicted are top member channel 10 a (gasket not shown), and topmember wiper portion of interior perimeter member 20 a.

FIG. 6D is a close up perspective view looking at a corner of theprotective housing detailing the bottom member 3 peripheral portion 30top surface. In this embodiment, two bottom member raised ridge teeth 17b are depicted protruding upward from a bottom member middle perimeterportion (e.g., channel exterior bounding member) 30 b disposed proximalto the corner of the bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30 cillustrated in this view, and as such a corresponding top memberincludes one top member raised ridge tooth 17 a (not shown). A bottommember interior perimeter portion 30 a is also depicted offset from themiddle perimeter portion 30 b so as to form a channel 10 b. A pluralityof teeth receptacles 13 b are disposed in on the inner surface ofinterior bounding member 30 b. The bottom member back surface 35 a,having speaker grille 60 b, is shown abutting against bottom memberinterior perimeter portion 30 a.

The two raised ridge teeth 17 b that extend above the top surface of thechannel exterior bounding member 30 b proximal to the corner of thebottom member exterior portion 20 c. Each of the two top member raisedridge teeth 17 b is capable of engaging with a corresponding top memberraised ridge tooth 17 b (not shown). More or less of these toothelements can be included on corresponding portions of the top and bottommembers. The bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a defines aninterior corner in this view that corresponds to the shape of anelectronic device such that the bottom member interior perimeter portion30 a engages the surface of an electronic device when placed in theprotective housing.

FIG. 6E is a close up perspective view looking down at the top frontportion of the housing showing a portion of the top member 2 peripheralportion 20 back surface as it engages with an electronic device, and inparticular with a proximal portion (e.g., a charging portion) of anelectronic device. The top member interior perimeter portion 20 a formsa shock and bump resistant portion at the top member proximal endportion 21 that is apparent in this view. The top member exteriorperimeter portion 20 c also forms a shock and drop resistant portion atthe top member proximal end portion 21 that is also apparent in thisview. Clasping mechanism 27 and two bottom member raised ridge teeth 17b are depicted protruding upward from the bottom member raised ridgemember 26. Also depicted is a latch port opening 71 a near the topmember proximal end portion 21 bounded by stiffened and reinforced latchport bounding member 72, and device retention teeth 96 a and 96 b.

FIG. 6F is a bottom perspective view looking at the bottom of aprotective housing 1 in which an electronic device 100 having a speakeroutput is depicted. The top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c isdepicted abutting against and integral with the raised ridge member 26protruding upward from the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b. Theraised ridge member 26 can be seen to include four sets of paired topmember teeth 17 protruding upward from the raised ridge member 26, witheach set of two top member paired teeth 17 disposed proximal to thecorner of the top member 2 of the protective housing. The bottom member3 of a protective housing is not shown. An electronic device (e.g. aniPad) is illustrated engaging with the top member 2 such that deviceretention teeth 96 a and 96 b align, orientate, and assist in securingthe electronic device with the top member 2. A headphone port sealingmember 53 is depicted on the top member distal end portion 22 of the topmember perimeter portion 20 and a latch port opening bounding member 72located at the top member proximal end portion 21.

FIG. 7A is a close up front view of the distal end of a top member 2 anda bottom member 3 that as coupled together form the protective housing 1as provided herein. The top member peripheral portion 20 and bottommember peripheral portion 30 are shown at the top of the top and bottommember distal end portions 22 and 32. An electrical transmission sealingmember 53, e.g., headphone port bung, is shown on the top member 2 as itis engaged within an electrical transmission port aperture 50 of the topmember. It is noted that in this embodiment, the bottom member 3 has aprotruding rim that functions to protect the headphone sealing bung 53.A bottom member accessory port 97 is shown on the bottom member bottomsurface 35 b.

FIG. 7B is a close up front view of the distal end of a top member 2 ofa protective housing provided herein. The top member peripheral portion20 top surface of the top member distal end portion 22 of the top member2 is depicted. A headphone sealing port 53 is shown on the top member 2.The top member 2 includes an external peripheral portion 20 c thatincludes an extended ledge region which is composed of a flexiblematerial such as TPE so as to form a shock-protective layercircumscribing the exterior bounds of the top member 2. The top member 2further includes a middle perimeter portion 20 b that includes a raisedridge member 26 that includes a first clasping mechanism 27 that isconfigured as a protruding lip, e.g., overhang, or catch member. Theraised ridge 26 additionally includes a planar top surface, whichsurface includes raised teeth 17 a are shown protruding upward from thecurved raised ridge member 26 and are spaced a distance apart from oneanother so as to receive a corresponding raised tooth 17 b (not shown)or teeth members of a corresponding bottom member 3. Further, as can beseen with respect to FIG. 7B the peripheral portion 20 includes a raisedsection 52 that bounds and accommodates an electrical transmission port50, such as a headphone jack port, which port is sealed by the placementof a headphone port bung 53 within the aperture of the port 50.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the distal 32 bottom member backsurface 35 b. The bottom member peripheral portion 30 is depicted withopposing bottom member left hand side member 33 and bottom member righthand members 34 shown respectively at the top and bottom of this view.The bottom member distal end portion 32, depicted on the left side ofthis view, incorporates various additional features, including anelectrical transmission port configured as a headphone sealing port 50having a port sealing member 53 retained therein. As can be seen in thisembodiment, the bottom member peripheral portion has a raised,reinforced area 52 bounding the transmission port 50 so as to provideextra shock protection to this feature. Also depicted are microphonetransmission port 61 and lens feature 80. Additional features, includingvolume buttons 99 a and orientation switch 90 are depicted on the bottommember peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member right hand side member34. Accessory ports 97 are also depicted.

FIG. 7D is a close up perspective view of a corner of the top 2 andbottom 3 member of a protective housing 1 showing the headphone sealingport member 53 as well as a bottom member accessory port member 97. Aheadphone sealing port member 53 is retained within the headphone port50 and this portion is surrounded by a protruding rim 52 along thebottom member peripheral portion 30 that accommodates the opening forthe headphone sealing port 50 on the bottom member 3 thereby addingadditional support to this portion of the housing. The top member 2 ofthe protective housing is depicted in this view aligned and coupled tothe bottom member 3 and facing away from the front view. A bottom memberaccessory port 97 having two openings is depicted in this particularembodiment.

FIG. 7E provides a cutaway view of a distal portion of the housingproviding a view of the electrical transmission port of FIG. 7D asconfigured as a headphone port 50. As can be seen with respect to FIG.7E the bottom member 3 includes an exterior perimeter portion 30 c,configured as a flexible shock absorbing member. The bottom member 3also includes a middle 30 b and interior 30 a perimeter portion that arespaced apart from one another so as to form a bottom member channel 15b, which channel has a bottom member gasket positioned therein. Thebottom member middle perimeter portion includes a clasping member 37that is configured as a catch, which catch is adapted for engaging acorresponding clasping mechanism 27, e.g., a corresponding catch, of thetop member 2 so as to secure the top 2 and bottom 3 members togetherwhen they are coupled with one another. The bottom member 3 alsoincludes a bottom surface 35 b configured to receive therein and cradlean electronic device 100, such as a tablet computing device, such as atablet PC.

The top member 2 includes a peripheral portion 20, but does not includea top surface member. Instead, the peripheral portion 20 includes amiddle perimeter portion 20 b that forms a rigid, skeletal perimetermember that frames the top surface of the electronic device and isconfigured for being coupled to the bottom member 3 so as to form aliquidproof seal both with the bottom member 3 and the device 100. Forinstance, the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b includes anextended ridge member 26 that impinges into the bottom member channel 10b and therein performs two related functions. First, the extended ridgemember 26 includes a clasping mechanism 27 that is configured as acatch, which catch is configured to engage a corresponding claspingmechanism 37, e.g., a corresponding catch, of a bottom member 3 so as tosecure the top 2 and bottom 3 members together when they are joined.Secondly, the extended ridge member 26 includes a top surface that isconfigured for engaging and compressing a bottom member gasket 15 bwithin the bottom member channel 10 b thereby compressing it.Collectively these elements function cooperatively to generate a liquidproof seal between the top 2 and bottom 3 members along the peripheralmembers 20 a and 30 b where they come together and interface.

Additionally, the top member 2 includes an interior perimeter portion 20a that is also configured to generate a waterproof seal when coupled toa front, top surface of a housed device 100 as shown. The interiorperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 includes two distinctportions that both function to facilitate a waterproof sealing with ahoused device. First, the interior perimeter portion 20 a is configuredto include a top member channel 10 a, which top member channel isbounded by interior and exterior top member channel walls 11 a and 11 b,respectively. The top member channel 10 a is configured for retaining atop member gasket 15 a, which gasket is configured for engaging aportion of a housed device and specially designed so as to be capable ofbeing compressed by such engagement and thereby producing a watertightsealing with the housed device. For instance, in certain embodiments,the top member gasket 15 a is hollow. Secondly, the interior perimeterportion 20 a includes an edge portion that is configured to functionmuch like the wiper of an automobile. It has an inclined edge thatinterface with a top or edge portion of a housed device so as to producea substantially seamless interface between the device 100 and thehousing 1, which interface acts to prevent the impingement of liquidthrough the housing 1. In a manner such as this a housing 1 of thedisclosure is capable of generating a waterproof and shockproof sealingaround a housed device.

The top member 2 also includes an exterior perimeter portion 20 c thatis also configured as a flexible shock absorbing member. The exteriorperimeter portion 20 c may be configured as an external, flexible bumperportion that is configured to align with a corresponding external bumpermember 30 c of a bottom member, which performs the same function.

Also depicted is a sound transmission port 50 of the housing 1, whereinthe sound transmission port 50 is configured in this embodiment as aheadphone transmission port. Accordingly, the top member 2 includes aport aperture 51 into which a headphone interface, or in this instance,a headphone adapter interface 58 b may be inserted, so as to allow aheadphone or speaker device to be electronically connected to headphoneportion of a housed device 100. The headphone port aperture 51 includesa connection element, such as threading 54 a, that bound the apertureand are configured for interfacing with a corresponding connectionelement 54 b, e.g., corresponding threading) of a headphone jack and/ora headphone jack adapter 57 (as depicted in this embodiment). Theheadphone port 50 may include a gasket, however, in this embodiment theheadphone jack adapter 57 includes a gasket and so an additional gasketin the headphone port 50 is not needed, although it may be included.

Further depicted in FIG. 7E is an accessory jack adapter 57, e.g., aheadphone jack adapter, as it would be when inserted both into thehousing 1 and within a housed device 100. The accessory jack adapter 57includes two transmission interfaces 58. One transmission interface 58 ais configured for receiving a jack portion of an accessory, such as aheadphone, speaker device, or the like. The other transmission interface58 b is configured as an accessory, e.g., headphone or speaker, jackportion and is adapted for being inserted within a jack receivingportion of an electronic device so as to generate an electronicinterface between the accessory and the electronic device. A uniquefeature of the accessory jack adapter as herein provided is that it iscapable of producing a waterproof seal between the jack portion 58 b andthe jack receiving portion of a housed device. To perform this functionthe jack adapter 57 includes both a connection interface 54 b, which inthis instance is configured as screw threads, but can be any kind ofconnection element, such as a cam portion; and further includes a gasketseat having a gasket 55, e.g., an O-ring positioned thereon, such thatas the jack adapter 57 is coupled to the housing 1 through the jack portaperture 51, and the corresponding connection elements 54 a and 54 b areengaged, a waterproof seal between the housing 1 and the jack adapter isproduced. It is noted that a jack adapter 57 need not be providedwherein any accessory to be so engaged with the housing includes a jackconfigured in a similar manner as that described herein with regard tothe jack adapter 57.

FIG. 8A is a close up view of the corner of portion of the front surfaceof a bottom member 3. The bottom member includes a peripheral portion 30surrounding a front surface member 35 a. The peripheral portion 30includes an exterior perimeter portion 30 c, comprised as a flexiblematerial adhered to or otherwise overmolded with a bottom member middleperimeter portion 30 b, which is comprised of a rigid, stiff materialthat is formed in conjunction with a bottom member interior perimeterportion 30 a, both of which are fabricated from the same material and atthe same time as that of the back surface member 35 a. It is to thisskeletal frame material that the flexible exterior material 30 c isadded. The middle perimeter 30 b and interior perimeter 30 a portionsare configured to form a bottom member channel 10 b. As depicted, abottom member gasket 15 b is not shown.

Also depicted is a single bottom member raised ridge tooth 17 b that isshown in this view protruding upward from a top surface of the bottommember middle perimeter portion 30 b. The bottom member middle perimeterportion 30 b forms a bounding wall for the bottom member channel 10 b,which is shown to the immediate right and interior of the bottom memberexterior perimeter portion 30 c. The channel 10 b is further bounded bythe bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 b. Vertically alignedbottom member teeth receptacles 13 b are shown as part of the interiorbottom channel bounding wall 30 a and are depicted in this view to theright and interior of the bottom member channel 10 b, such teethreceptacles 13 b comprising part of a second clasping mechanism uponreversible engagement with corresponding teeth 13 a of a top member (notshown).

A bottom member bumper 36 is depicted vertically to the interior of thevertically aligned bottom member teeth receptacles 13 b. The bottommember interior perimeter portion 30 a is depicted internal and to theright such that it forms a cohesive seal with bottom member frontsurface 35 a. A protruding rim 52 that functions to protect theheadphone sealing port 53 (not shown) is depicted as a curved indenturein the bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30 a at the top of thisview, which bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30 a is integralwith bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b that defines theboundary of bottom member channel 10 b depicted immediately below thebottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b. A microphone transmissionport 61 is visible below the bottom member interior perimeter portion 30a to the interior of bottom member channel 10 b. The microphonetransmission port 61 has an aperture extending from the inside of thehousing member to the outside, which aperture is covered by a waterproofspeaker gasket 61 a.

FIG. 8B is a close up view of the corner of portion of the front surfacebottom member 3 of FIG. 8A. Bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30c is not shown. Bottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b defines theupper portion of bottom member 3, which is positioned distal to but isintegral with bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a. One bottommember raised ridge tooth 17 b is shown protruding upward from thebottom member middle perimeter portion 30 b. Middle perimeter portion 30b forms an exterior bounding wall for bottom member channel 10 b that isdisposed immediately interior to and below bottom member interiorperimeter portion 30 a in this view. Bottom member teeth receptacles 13b are depicted as being aligned horizontally and immediately above thebottom member channel 10 b on the bottom channel interior boundingmember 30 a, such teeth receptacles 13 b comprising part of a secondclasping mechanism upon reversible engagement with corresponding teeth13 a of a top member (not shown). Bottom member bumper 36 is illustratedbelow the bottom member teeth receptacles 13 b, which has been moldedwith the bottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view looking down at the housing 1, when thehousing is in a face down orientation and the bottom member 3 is viewedfrom above. The bottom member peripheral portion 30 is shown with volumebuttons 99 a, an on/off button 99 b, an silence/orientation switch 90,microphone transmission port 61, speaker grille 60 b, lens feature 80,and headphone port opening 50 with electronic transmission port adapter57 shown in operable attachment, where the electronic transmission portadapter 57 can be used to provide a waterproof interface for varioustypes of accessories, such as headphones, speakers, or other members inneed of electronic communication with a housed electronic device 100.Latch feature 70 is covered by a latch door 71 b that may be positionedso as to cover and enclose a charge port opening 11 a (not shown). Toolslot features 18 a and 18 b, which may be used to separate top member 2from bottom member 3 by a tool, coin, or the like, are also visible inthis view.

FIG. 9B is a close up side view of the inside of bottom member 3 of aprotective housing 1 showing the silence/orientation control switch 90adjacent to the volume control button 99 a. The silence/orientationcontrol switch 90 and volume control button 99 a features are typicallyfabricated in two parts. First, the bottom member 3 is extruded andmolded to form the bottom surface and interior and middle perimeterportions, wherein portions of the peripheral member 30 are fabricated insuch a way that apertures therethrough are provided, which apertures canfurther be formed into the various button features of the housing 1.

These button features may include specific functional elements that arecrafted separately but added to the housing after the bottom member 3has been molded. Waterproof seals and/or seats for these features maythen be fabricated and added to the bottom member 3 skeletal frame, suchas during an overmolding process. Accordingly, a suitableorientation/silence switch feature 90 a and/or volume control see-sawbutton are engineered and assembled with the case in a manner such asthis. Hence, the orientation 90 and volume control 99 buttons arecoupled to the housing 1 in such a manner that they are adaptable forengaging the corresponding switches and buttons of a housed device.

The silence/orientation control switch 90 depicted on the interior of abottom member 3 of the housing 1 in this view engages with a rotatinguser interface switch member 90 a (not shown) disposed in operableconnection on the exterior of the protective housing 1. The rotatingswitch member 90 a of the orientation control switch 90 comprises ahandle member 90 b (not shown) configured for a user to rotate about apartially circular indentation 90 c (not shown) disposed in the externalportion of the protective housing.

The handle member 90 b is integral with a post member 90 d that passesfrom the exterior of the protective housing 1 into the interior thereof.A post member gasket 90 e circumscribes the post member 90 d to form awaterproof and dust proof seal therewith so as to prevent the ingressthrough this feature. The post member engages with orientation controlswitch 90, which may be configured as a cam-like feature 90 f having aU-shaped opening that functions to translate the rotational motion ofthe handle member 90 b and post member 90 d into a vertical orhorizontal movement of a linearly moveable slider type switch on ahoused electronic device. In operation, rotating the handle member 90 dslides a linearly translating switch on the electronic device from afirst position to a second position, for example, to silence the deviceor as an orientation control switch.

The volume control portion 99 a shown in this embodiment is configuredas a hammerhead see-saw member and operates as an oscillating togglethat interfaces respectively with the volume control button of a housedelectronic device. For example, as illustrated this internal toggle maybe actuated on the exterior of the protective housing by depressingeither an up volume or a down volume portion of the button to rock backand forth the interior toggle from one side or the other side such thatit operably engages the volume control of a housed electronic device.Also depicted in this view is the exterior bottom channel bounding wall30 b and interior channel bounding wall 30 a comprising teethreceptacles 13 b. Immediately distal to the interior bottom channelbounding wall 30 a is bottom member channel 10 b, which has an exteriorchannel bounding wall 30 b immediately distal this member, and integralwith bottom member interior bounding wall 30 a.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a bottom member 3 corner of theprotective housing of FIG. 9B. A volume control portion 99 a is shown,which in this embodiment comprises a hammer head toggle switch, proximalto the silence/orientation control switch 90 disposed within the bottommember peripheral portion 30 adjacent the bottom member back surface 35b. Operation of the orientation control switch is described above in thedescription of FIG. 9B. In this view, the orientation control switchhandle 90 b is illustrated as it is situated inside the partiallycircular indentation 90 c integral with the bottom member peripheralportion 30. The volume control switch 99 a shown in this embodimentoperates as an oscillating toggle that interfaces with the volumecontrol switch of an electronic device such that an internal toggle (notshown) may be actuated by the volume control switch 99 a as describedabove. An on/off switch 99 b is also provided in like fashion, whereinan extended post feature extends from an exterior of the housing to theinterior, which post member is covered by a waterproof sealing envelope.The post member has a user interface portion positioned on the externalportion of the housing that may be depressed by a user, which downwardforce moves the post element proximally downwards thereby engaging theon/off switch of a housed electronic device turning it from the on tothe off position and vice versa. A lens feature 80 is also shown on thebottom member interior perimeter portion 30 a abutting against the onthe bottom member back surface 35 b. The lens feature includes anoptical grade lens 83 that has been inserted into the bottom member 3,e.g., via a mandrel or other suitable means, and an optical skirt 82 asbeen fabricated to surround the lens so as to substantially preventlight, e.g., from a flash member (not shown), from impinging into thecamera lens 83 portion. Although a flash feature 85 is not depicted, itmay be included in various embodiments.

FIG. 9D is a top view of the back surface 35 b of the distal end portion32 of a bottom member 3. Numerous features can be seen along the bottommember exterior peripheral portion 30 in this Figure, including thevolume control portion 99 a depicted in this embodiment as a sliderswitch, orientation control switch 90, on/off button 99 b, and a lensfeature 80 having a lens 83 partially surrounded by a lens skirt 82shown on the bottom member interior peripheral portion 30 abuttingagainst the bottom member back surface 35 b. Also shown are a microphonetransmission port feature 61 and the headphone sealing port 53, which isprotected by a reinforced raised member. The orientation control switchhandle 90 b is illustrated as it is situated inside the partiallycircular indentation 90 c integral with the bottom member peripheralportion 30, the operation of which is described in greater detail inFIGS. 9B and 9C. The user interface handle 90 b has movement indicatorsdisplayed thereon. The on/off switch 99 b shown in this view operates atranslatable toggle that interfaces with an on/off switch of anelectronic device such that an internal depressible toggle or button(not shown) may be actuated by the on/off switch 99 b depicted in thisembodiment.

FIG. 10A is a close up perspective view of the proximal portion of thehousing 1 showing an electronic transmission port configured as a chargeport feature 70 of the housing of FIG. 1A. Both a top member 2 and abottom member 3 are depicted as they would be coupled together to theform the housing 1. The charge port feature 70 is depicted having acharge port latch door 71 b that is removed from the housing to showdetail.

The bottom 3 and top 2 members are shown coupled together in the bottomof this view such that the top member and bottom member proximal endportions 21 and 31 of their respective peripheral portions 20 and 30 arefacing forward and bordering each side of a latch feature opening 71 a.The bottom member exterior perimeter portion 30 c forms a downwardlycurving ridge configured to accommodate the latch feature opening 71 aand provide protection from banging, bumping and the like by having asomewhat more substantial bottom member proximal end portion 31.

The bottom member proximal end portion 31 may incorporate various typesof latch connecting members, such as an axle receiving orifice, an axle,aperture, hole, hinge, flap, or the like to accommodate a connectionmember and/or door members. As can be seen in this embodiment, latchdoor axle 74 is depicted protruding partially from the bottom membermiddle perimeter portion 30 b to connect latch door 71 b at a latch dooraxle receiving orifice 75 such that it can pivot or swing from an openposition to a closed position that provides a liquidproof and dust proofseal for an electrical transmission port, e.g., a charge port.

The top member exterior perimeter portion 20 c can also be seen in thisview such that the top member proximal end portion 21 is situated on topof the bottom member perimeter portion 31, and in conjunction the twosurround and form a shock and bump resistant portion at the front of theprotective housing 1 where a charge port feature 70 is located. Depictedon the top of this view is the top member peripheral portion frontsurface illustrating the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b andtop member interior perimeter portion 20 c at the upper corner as wellas home button 40 present in the middle left portion of this view.Bottom member clasping mechanism 13 b is also shown as seen through themembraneless bounds of the top peripheral portion 20.

As depicted, the latch port feature 70 includes a latch port opening 71a, which opening is bounded by a stiffened bounding member 72 that issized to receive a connection interface of a device accessory, such as a30 pin data transfer and charger of an electronic device. The latch portopening 71 a is positioned entirely in and through the middle perimeterportion 20 b of the top member 2. The bounding member 72 is furtherconfigured to include a latch ramp receiving portion 76, which isadapted to receive a latch ramp closure element 77 of the latch door 71b. The top member middle perimeter portion 20 b additionally includes alatch door axle 74 for connecting to the latch door 71 b.

Accordingly, the latch door 71 b includes an axle receiving orifice 75that is configured to receive at least a portion of a latch ramp axle 74therethrough, whereby through this interaction the latch door 71 b mayrotate about the axle 74 from an open to a closed position so as tocover the port opening in a waterproof and shockproof sealing. To betterensure said sealing the latch door 71 b may include a sealing mechanism77, configured here as an extended latch ramp member, that is adaptedfor engaging a corresponding sealing mechanism on the top member 2. Thelatch door 71 b further includes a gasket 78 that is configured forsealing against the latch port opening 72 thereby protecting the openingfrom the ingress of liquid when the latch door 71 b is closed andengaged with the top member 2.

FIG. 10B is cross-sectional view of a latch door feature of FIG. 10Awith the latch door feature positioned in the corner of the protectivehousing 1. The latch door 71 b is in the closed position. As indicatedabove, the latch door feature 70 includes an axle receiving orifice 75having a latch door axle received therethrough. Also included is asealing mechanism 77, e.g., latch ramp member, that is engaged with itscorresponding sealing mechanism 76, e.g., latch ramp receiving member,on the top member 2. The latch door 71 b further includes a gasket 78that is sealed against the latch port opening 71 a and bounding member72 thereby protecting the opening from the ingress of liquid. The latchdoor locking ramp 77 is received within the latch ramp receiving member76, thereby securing the closure and the sealing of the latch ramp door71 b.

As depicted, home button 40 is disposed on the top member peripheralportion 20 top surface, which is in operable connection with the variousassociated features including the home button user interface 41 a, homebutton device interface 41 b, home button sealing member 41 c, depictedbelow the home button 40 and providing a liquidproof sealing therefore,and home button device engagement portion 41 d.

To the adjacent right along the top member peripheral portion 20, thetop member proximal end portion 21 is depicted as it forms a waterproofseal with the latch cover 71 b depicted at the right hand side of thisview. The charge port latch or cover 71 b, in conjunction with the latchport door 71 b and gasket 78 function to provide a waterproof sealing ofthe charge port orifice 71 a. A ramp latch 77 can be seen in this viewabutting against a latch ramp receiving member 76 to form a seal at thetop member front surface, and where gasket 78 further facilitates awaterproof seal between the exterior of the protective housing and thelatch feature opening 71 a. In this view, the latch feature opening 71 ais depicted with the curved surface of the opening in cross-section isfacing forward.

As depicted here, the top member middle perimeter portion 20 b of thetop member 2 is aligned with the bottom member middle perimeter portion30 b of the bottom member 3, and the corresponding clasping mechanisms27 and 37 are coupled together. The bottom channel 10 b includes agasket 15 b positioned therein, such that an extended ridge member 26 ofthe top member middle perimeter portion 20 b impinges within the channel10 b engages and compresses the gasket 15 b within the channel 10 b ofthe bottom member 3 to create a waterproof seal in this portion of theprotective housing 1. The bottom member proximal end portion 31 isdepicted at the bottom front of this view, with the bottom member backsurface 35 b including a speaker grille 60 b. Teeth receptacles 13 bpositioned on an interior perimeter portion 30 a of bottom member 3 arealso visible in this view, and above these can be seen the top memberinterior perimeter portion 20 a as this surface slopes at an angle onthe peripheral member 20 front surface.

FIG. 10C is a close up perspective view of a portion of latch featuredoor 71 b in pivotal attachment with the bottom member proximal endportion 31 of a bottom member 3 of the protective housing. Latch door 71b is seen with a raised, compressible gasket 78 disposed on interior thesurface of the latch door 71 b, which is attached to the bottom memberproximal end portion 31 of a bottom member 3 of the protective housingvia latch door axle 74 having been received within latch door axleorifice 75. The latch door 71 b further includes a latch ramp 77 forassisting in securing the latch door 71 b in a closed position.

FIG. 10D is a close up perspective view of the proximal portion of aprotective housing 1 showing the latch feature 70 in an open position,wherein the latch door 71 b is in the open position and the latchopening 71 a is clearly seen bounded by stiffened bounding member 72.The bottom member back surface 35 b is facing upward in this view, withthe speaker grille 60 b illustrated in the front upper left portion ofthe bottom member 3. Latch cover door 71 b is depicted opened and as itwould close downward from the bottom member 3 in this view. As can beseen, the bottom member proximal end portion 31 is has a curved openingthat extends upward and outward in this view to which two axle receivingorifices 75 are located, which function to receive a latch door axle 74to connect latch door 71 b that pivots or swings from an open positionto a closed position about the axle 74 where a liquidproof and dustproof seal for a charge port is formed. The top member exteriorperimeter portion 20 c also assist in forming a shock and bump resistantportion at the top member proximal end portion 21 surrounding the latchfeature opening 70 that is apparent in this view. The latch door 71 bfurther includes a gasket 78 for ensuring a watertight sealing when inthe closed position.

FIG. 10E is a perspective view of the top member peripheral portion 20top surface looking down at a protective housing 1 containing anelectronic device 100. A latch feature 70 is provided wherein the latchdoor 71 b is in the closed and engaged position, wherein the latch door71 b has been rotated from the bottom member 3 to engage the top member2 so as to close and seal the port opening of the latch feature 70.

The top member 2 has a top member peripheral portion 20 that defines anopening for the placement of a touch-sensitive display of an electronicdevice 100 by circumscribing the outer perimeter of the electronicdevice 100. The top member peripheral portion 20 has a top member middleperimeter portion 20 b, that is configured as a substantially rigidframe circumscribing the bounds of the device 100 and forming the topmember 2 of the housing 1. The top member middle perimeter portion 20 bis comprised of a substantially rigid material. The top member interiorperimeter portion 20 a is coupled to the top member middle perimeterportion, such as by overmolding, is more typically comprised ofmaterials that are more flexible or pliable so as to allow the topmember interior perimeter portion 20 a to form a soft inner edgesuitable for forming a seal with the front surface of the housedelectronic device 1 when positioned in the protective housing 1.

The top member peripheral portion 20 can be seen to have opposing topmember left hand side portion and top member right hand side portions,23 and 34 respectively, as well as opposing top member proximal endportion (at front) and top member distal end portions, 21 and 22respectively. The home bottom 40 is depicted in the middle portion ofthe surface of the top member proximal end portion 21, with latch door71 b shown extending upward from the bottom member 3 and traversing thebottom member 3 and the top member 2 to form a waterproof seal for thelatch feature opening 71 a (not shown).

FIG. 10F is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the housing 1when the housing is face down revealing the bottom member back surface35 b looking down at a protective housing. The bottom member peripheralportion 30 is depicted on the top of this view defining the perimeter ofthe bottom member surface 35 b, where opposing bottom member right handside member and bottom member left hand members, 34 and 33 respectively,are illustrated on the left and right sides. The bottom member proximalend portion 31 appears at the front of this view, with speaker grille 60b shown of the left hand portion. A latch port feature 70 is alsodepicted having a latch door 71 b in the closed and engaged position.

Additional features are depicted on the bottom member perimeter portion30 shown in the upper left portion of this view, including sound controlbutton 99 a, silence/orientation switch 90, and lens feature 80. Latchdoor 71 b is depicted here traversing between the bottom member 3 andthe top member 2, which may function to cover and enclose a charge portopening (not shown). Also shown at the front of this view between thebottom member 3 and the top member 2 are two tool slot features 18 a and18 b, which may be used to disengage the top member 2 and bottom member3 upon insertion of a screw driver, coin, or other member that can beused to apply a force to disengage the bottom member 3 and the topmember 2.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the bottom member back surface 35 b.The bottom member perimeter portion 30 is shown at the top and sides ofthis view, with opposing bottom member right hand side member 33 andbottom member left hand members 34 shown left and right siderespectively in this particular view. The bottom member distal endportion 32, depicted on the top of this view, incorporates headphonesealing port member 53, which is protected by a reinforced raised ribportion, microphone transmission port 61, and lens feature 80, partiallycircumscribed by lens skirt 82 and having an optical grade lens 83positioned therein, and additional features, including volume buttons 99a and orientation switch 90 are depicted on the bottom member right handside member 33 on the back surface 35 b of the bottom member 3. Theorientation control switch 90 includes orientation control switch handle90 b depicted within a partially circular indentation 90 c integral withthe bottom member perimeter 30. The on/off switch 99 b shown on bottommember distal end portion 32 in this embodiment operates as anoscillating toggle that interfaces with the on/off switch of anelectronic device. Bottom member accessory ports 97 a and 97 b aredepicted on the upper portion of opposing bottom member right hand sidemember 33 and bottom member left hand member 34.

FIG. 11B is a close up view of a bottom member 3 of a protective housingillustrating the microphone transmission port 61 as viewed from theinterior of the bottom member 3 of the protective housing 1. The bottommember interior peripheral portion 30 is shown with the microphonetransmission port 61 centered and bordered by right and left handbumpers 36. The microphone transmission port 61 incorporates severalfeatures that facilitate the transmission of sound from an electronicdevice outward from the protective housing and to provide a waterproofseal so that water does not enter the protective housing. Accordingly,the microphone transmission port 61 includes an inlet aperture 62 (notshown) and therefore incorporates an acoustic membrane and/or gasket 61a that is transmissive for sound but are non-transmissive for liquid andwhich covers the aperture of the microphone port on the inside. Theacoustic membrane 61 a is further adhered to the housing and coupledtherewith by a microphone gasket overmolding 63 section. It is alsouseful to direct, channel, or block the transmission of sound byincorporating a microphone port echo canceling feature 64, which isdepicted in this embodiment as a raised circumscribing ridge thatminimizes the transmission of unwanted sound capable of creatinginterference into the microphone port 61, such as through the internaltransmission from the housed speaker portion. Bottom member teethreceptacles 13 b disposed on an interior bottom member bounding wall 30a as well as channel 10 b are depicted interiorly to the inner surfaceof the bottom channel exterior bounding wall 30 b, with bottom memberchannel 10 b situated immediately above in this view such that thebottom member channel 10 b is bordered on top by the bottom memberinterior perimeter portion 30 b that is contiguous with the bottommember middle perimeter portion 30 b depicted at the top of this view.

FIG. 11C is a close up front view of a bottom member 3 of a protectivehousing 1 directed to the microphone transmission port 61. Looking atthe exterior of a protective housing, the bottom member exteriorperimeter portion 30 c is shown here with the microphone transmissionport 61 depicted in approximately the center portion of the bottommember distal end portion 32 relative to its longitudinal axis, withmicrophone grille 61 b providing protection against the entry of anunwanted object into the microphone transmission port 61 while allowingfor the transmission of sound.

The microphone transmission port 61 may be disposed in a differentportion of the protective housing in alternative embodiments (notshown). The microphone transmission port 61 incorporates severalfeatures that are not shown in this view that facilitate thetransmission of sound from an electronic device outward from theprotective housing and to provide a waterproof seal so that liquid doesnot enter the protective housing though the microphone port, thesefeatures may include, for example, an acoustic membrane 61 a (not shown)that is transmissive for sound but is non-transmissive for liquid, whichmembrane covers the aperture of the microphone port on the inside andwhich may be sealed to the housing by a microphone gasket overmolding 63(not shown).

FIG. 12A is a close up view of a corner of the bottom member 3 of theprotective housing where the bottom member right hand side member 33abuts against the bottom member distal end portion 32 along the bottommember perimeter 30. A volume control portion 99 a, which is a slidercontrol in this embodiment, and orientation control switch 90 aredisposed on the bottom member right hand side member 33 adjacent tobottom member external accessory port 97. The orientation control switchhandle 90 b is illustrated as it is situated inside the partiallycircular indentation 90 c integral with the bottom member peripheralportion 30. The on/off switch 99 b shown in this embodiment operates asan oscillating toggle that interfaces with the on/off switch of anelectronic device such that an internal toggle (not shown) may beactuated by the on/off switch 99 b depicted in this embodiment. A lensfeature 80 is also shown on the bottom member interior perimeter portion30 a abutting against the on the bottom member back surface 35 b. Thelens feature includes an optical grade camera lens 83 that is surroundedand protected by an overmolded lens skirt adapted for blocking theerrant transmission of light into the lens 83.

In the embodiment shown here, the external accessory port 97 includes afirst opening and a second opening adjacent thereto in order facilitatethe coupling of a variety of accessory members to the housing, forexample for using, carrying, and/or mounting the protective housing,including for example a belt clip, leg mount, hand mount, hand strap,arm strap, bike mount, car mount, or the like. The lens feature 80 iscoextensive with the bottom member perimeter 30 at the bottom memberdistal end portion 32.

FIG. 12B is a close up perspective view of a corner portion of thebottom member proximal end portion 31 of a bottom member 3 of aprotective housing. Speaker grille 60 b is shown on the upper rightportion of the bottom member peripheral portion 30 in this view, with anoffset or riser on the bottom member 3 back surface 35 b depictedimmediately below the speaker grille 60 b, such offset or riserfunctioning to lift the bottom surface from a surface on which it isset. Although only one riser is depicted, there may be two, three, four,or more positioned about the housing such as in each of the corners ofthe top and/or bottom member. One external accessory port 97 having twoopenings for the attachment of an accessory for the protective housingis also depicted.

FIG. 12C is a close up perspective view of a corner portion of thebottom member proximal end portion 31 of a bottom member 3 of aprotective housing showing an external accessory port 97 having twoopenings that are in connection in the bottom member of the housing. Thetwo openings are positioned such that their lumens intersect to form arelatively “L” shape. In this manner an elongated accessory attachmentmember having an accessory interface on an external edge thereof and anaccessory locking pin receiving portion on an internal edge thereof maybe inserted into one of the openings; and likewise an extended lockingpin having a user interface on an external portion thereof and a lockinginterface at an internal edge thereof may be inserted into the otheropening so as to engage the lock receiving portion of the accessoryattachment thereby locking it in place, together both of which functionto allow various accessories, such as handles and mounts, to beremovably attached to the housing. The various connection interfaces maybe any suitable interface capable of allowing an accessory to be coupledto the accessory attachment member, and any suitable locking interfacemay be employed. In one embodiment, the lock receiving portion of theaccessory pin is a grille portion and the lock portion of the lockingelement is a flexible fork member having tines that interlock with thegrille element to couple therewith and thereby lock the accessory pinelement in place. Speaker grille 60 b is also depicted immediately belowthe external accessory port 97 in this view.

FIGS. 13A-E are perspective views of a protective housing test sealmember. In another aspect, a protective housing testing system isprovided. In certain embodiments, a protective housing testing systemcomprises a seal test member 500 that provides a visual indication of aproper seal of a protective housing provided herein, for example toindicate a proper seal of a top member 2 and bottom member 3 of aprotective housing. A test seal member of the protective housing testingsystem may serve as a reproduction, facsimile, replica, or proxy for anelectronic device. Accordingly, a test seal member 500 need not be atrue duplicate of an electronic device. In fact, it is desirable incertain embodiments it is desirable to provide a simplified and costeffective substitute for an electronic device which retains all thedesirable characteristics for the intended purpose of using a test sealmember 500 for the purpose of determining if a particular protectivehousing has a waterproof seal.

As such, the test seal member may have certain features of an electronicdevice. In particular, in certain embodiments it is important that thetest seal member have at least some members which have size anddimensions that are very similar to, or even nearly identical with,those of an electronic device in which the protective housing isintended to be utilized. In particular, it is desirable for thosemembers of a seal test member to have dimensions, sizing, andconfiguration to simulate those portions of an electronic device thatinteract with a protective housing provided herein.

In the embodiments of the test seal member 500 depicted in FIG. 13, atest seal member comprises a front surface 501 and a back surface 502.In certain embodiments, the front surface 501 of the test seal member500 faces the back surface 35 b of the top member of a protectivehousing upon being placed in a protective housing, and where the backsurface 502 of the test seal member faces the front surface of thebottom member of a protective housing upon being placed in a protectivehousing.

The back surface 502 of the test seal member comprises an outerperimeter member 503 that is disposed at the outer edge of the bottomsurface of the test seal member 500 and it typically surrounds theentire edge of this surface in order to closely approximate the memberson an electronic device that would alternatively reside in an enclosedprotective housing when it is not tested by the protective housingsystem.

In addition to the outer perimeter member of the back surface 502 of thetest seal member, the test seal member may comprise additional ridgemembers. Accordingly, certain embodiments provided herein comprise aplurality of ridge members 504, including an outer edge member 504 adisposed on the outmost portion of the outer perimeter member 503, suchas about an outer perimeter member 503 that defines the edge of the testseal member. These embodiments may further include a middle ridge member504 b to the interior of the outer ridge member 504 a, and an innerridge member 504 c disposed interior of both the middle ridge member 504b and the outer ridge member 504 a on the back surface 502 of the testseal member 500. In certain embodiments the ridge members comprise acontinuous ridge, and in other embodiments the inner ridge member is notnecessarily a continuous ridge. In certain embodiments, a channel 510 isdefined by the middle ridge member 504 b and the inner ridge member 504c. Inside this test seal member 500, channel ridge members 504 d may beadditionally included, for example on at least a part of the surface ofthe inner ridge member 504 c that defines a surface of the inner ridgemember.

In certain embodiments, the front surface of a test seal member 500 issubstantially planar and smooth about its front surface. In otherembodiments (not shown), the front surfaces of test seal members areprovided which have alternative configurations that are adapted to mimican electronic device as it is situated in a protective housing providedherein.

In operation, the seal test member provides a visual indication of aproper seal of the top housing member with the bottom housing member 3and of the inner edge of the top housing member with a region proximateat least the portion of the top surface. FIG. 13c depicts a test sealmember 500 situated in the top member 2 of a protective housing. In thisview, the front surface 501 of the test seal member 500 is facing upwardand the back surface 502 of the test seal member 502 is engaged with atop member 2 back surface 25 b. Device retention teeth 96 a and 96 b ofthe top member 2 of a protective housing 2 are depicted retaining a testseal member 500 as it engages with the top member 2, such that deviceretention teeth 96 a and 96 b assist in retaining the test seal member10. The outer perimeter member 503 of the test seal member 500 contactsat least portions of the top member interior perimeter portion 20 a aswell raised ridge teeth 17 that comprise part of a first claspingmechanism. The outer perimeter of the test seal member 503 may furtherengage with teeth 13 a of the top member that comprise part of thesecond clasping mechanism.

Additionally, when the test seal member 500 engages with a bottom member3 of a protective housing, the outer perimeter 503 of the test seal fitsclosely against the bottom member 3 bottom channel interior boundingmember 30 a such that teeth receptacles 13 b of the bottom member engagewith ridge channel members 504 d as the middle ridge member 504 b andinner ridge member 504 c of the test seal member 500 abut against thedifferent portions of the bumper 36 of the bottom member 3 of aprotective housing such that the middle ridge member 504 b and innerridge member 504 c of the test seal member 500 straddle opposing side ofthe bumper 36 along its longitudinal axis.

More particularly, in another aspect, a protective housing testingsystem is provided. In certain embodiments, a protective housing testingsystem comprises a seal test member, a bottom housing member, a tophousing member, and a coupling mechanism. The function of the seal testmember provided in these embodiments is to provide a visual indicationof a proper seal of the top housing member with the bottom housingmember of the protective housing.

In certain embodiments, a test seal member of the protective housingtesting system may serve as a replica or proxy for an electronic device.As such, the test seal member may have certain features of an electronicdevice. In particular, in certain embodiments it is important that thetest seal member have at least some members which have size anddimensions that are very similar to, or even nearly identical with,those of an electronic device in which the protective housing isintended to be utilized. In particular, it is desirable for thosemembers of a seal test member to have dimensions, sizing, andconfiguration to simulate those portions of an electronic device thatinteract with a protective housing provided herein.

A protective housing that is tested by a protective housing testingsystem provided herein may comprise a bottom housing member. A bottomhousing member may house at least a portion of the seal test member. Atop housing member of the protective housing may function to house atleast a second portion of the seal test member. The top housing memberof the protective housing may comprise an inner edge to frame at least aportion of the top surface to allow touch access to the portion of thetop surface.

Accordingly, a test seal member comprises a front surface and a backsurface. In certain embodiments, the front surface of the test sealmember faces the back surface of the top member of a protective housingupon being placed in a protective housing, and where the back surface ofthe test seal member faces the front surface of the bottom member of aprotective housing upon being placed in a protective housing.

The back surface of the test seal member comprises an outer perimetermember that is disposed at the outer edge of the bottom surface of thetest seal member and it typically surrounds the entire edge of thissurface in order to closely approximate the members on an electronicdevice that would alternatively reside in an enclosed protective housingwhen it is not tested by the protective housing system.

In addition to the outer perimeter member of the back surface of thetest seal member, the test seal member may comprise additional ridgemembers. Accordingly, certain embodiments provided herein comprise aplurality of ridge members, including an outer edge member disposed onthe outmost portion of the outer perimeter member, such as about anouter perimeter member that defines the edge of the test seal member.These embodiments may further include a middle ridge member to theinterior of the outer ridge member, and an inner ridge member disposedinterior of both the middle ridge member and the outer ridge member onthe back surface of the test seal member. In certain embodiments theridge members comprise a continuous ridge that extends, and in otherembodiments the inner ridge member is not necessarily a continuousridge. In certain embodiments, a channel is defined by the middle ridgemember and the inner ridge member. Inside this test seal member, channelridge members may be additionally included, for example on at least apart of the surface of the inner ridge member that defines a surface ofthe inner ridge member.

In certain embodiments, the front surface of a test seal member issubstantially planar and smooth about its front surface. In otherembodiments (not shown), the front surfaces of test seal members areprovided which have alternative configurations that are adapted to mimican electronic device as it is situated in a protective housing providedherein.

The coupling mechanism may comprise various clasping mechanismsdescribed herein such that the interaction of the test seal memberreplicates some features and dimensions of an electronic device that areimportant for engagement with elements of the protective housing,including various clasping mechanisms.

In operation, the seal test member provides a visual indication of aproper seal of the top housing member with the bottom housing member andof the inner edge of the top housing member with a region proximate atleast the portion of the top surface.

It is to be understood that although the various embodiments depictedherein have been described with reference to a housing 1 wherein thehousing includes a top or a bottom member does not include orincorporate a top or bottom surface member, such as a front screenmembrane, in various instances, such a top or bottom surface member maybe added to a corresponding peripheral portion of the housing, so as tofully enclose the housed device. For instance, in various embodiments, atop or bottom display membrane may be included spanning from oneperimeter portion to the other perimeter portion. The top or bottomsurface membrane may be fabricated along with the other housingcomponents so as to be integrally affixed thereto, such as viaovermolding, or it may be a separate element meant not to be attached tothe housing components themselves, but rather to the device itself,which device is then coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, afront screen membrane is included to interface between the housing and ahoused device, wherein the front screen membrane is an independentsurface element that may removably attach to one or both of the housingand the device, such as via an adhesive, cohesion, or other attachmentmeans.

The membrane may be fabricated from any suitable material. The membranemay typically be transparent, but may contain one or more opticallyopaque regions. An opaque region may be entirely opaque or may includeone or more optically transmissive regions. The membrane may beconfigured to include an optically transmissive region and an opaqueregion, such as an opaque region that may further be configured toincludes optically clear regions, e.g., for a proximity or ambient lightsensor feature. The membrane may additionally be configured to include abutton feature. The membrane may additionally be configured to includean acoustic aperture feature, a camera lens feature, a flash feature,and the like.

The button feature may include a plurality of sub-features. For example,the button feature may include a button feature membrane with a buttonfeature first transition that interacts with a button feature pivot suchthat as the button is depressed, the button feature pivot deforms. Thebutton feature may also include a standoff or actuator that is coupledto the button feature membrane, such as to the underside of the buttonfeature membrane via a suitable adhesive. The button feature standoffmay be configured such that as the button feature is depressed thestandoff interfaces with a button of an underlying device so as toeffectively manipulate said button. Such a button feature may befabricated in any suitable manner such as being fabricated fromcomponent parts and assembled together or it may be formed, such asthermal formed, in conjunction with the membrane. In various otherembodiments the button feature may simply be an indented portion, e.g.,a thermally formed indented portion, of the front membrane circumscribedby a raised region. Also, an inward facing surface of the button mayinclude a standoff, such as an adhesive spacer element, that mayfunction so as to allow the button to better engage a home button of anunderlying device.

In various embodiments, the acoustic aperture feature may be comprisedof an acoustic exit aperture that is overlaid with a water-impermeablegasket, e.g., an acoustic membrane or vent material, which membranematerial covers the acoustic aperture thereby preventing the ingress ofwater there through while at the same time allowing the transmission ofsound. The acoustic aperture feature may include an acoustic membranematerial which may include an acoustic exit aperture. The acousticmembrane material may be offset from the membrane and attached therewithby an adhesive ring and may further be associated with an acoustic ventmaterial, which acoustic vent material is sound permeable but liquidimpermeable. The acoustic vent material may be associated with theacoustic membrane material such that it covers the acoustic exitaperture so as to prevent the ingress of water there through while atthe same time allowing the transmission of sound.

The membrane may also include video camera and/or proximity sensorand/or ambient light sensor regions, which regions may be configured forinteracting with a video camera and proximity sensor and ambient lightsensor of an underlying device. These video camera and proximity sensorand ambient light sensor regions may simply be optically clear regions.In various other embodiments, the camera region may include a lensconfigured to be aligned with the camera lens of a housed device. Aflash feature may also be included.

In another aspect, a protective housing for a tablet computer isprovided. Accordingly, certain primary embodiments of the protectivehousing for a tablet computer have the elements described herein in thisparagraph. A protective housing according to these primary embodimentsprovided herein includes a back side, a perimeter, and a front side thatincludes a multi-touch display. The protective housing has a bottommember that typically include a frame that defines an outer perimeter ofthe bottom member. The frame of such a bottom member may have an outerwall, where the outer wall of the frame has a first latching mechanism.The bottom member may include an inner surface that is configured forreceiving at least part of the perimeter or back side of a tabletcomputer. The inner surface of the bottom member may additionally forman inner wall as well as an outer wall, such that the two are spacedapart from each other. The inner wall of the inner surface of the bottommember may further include a second latching mechanism. In anotheraspect, the bottom member has a first channel that is formed between theouter wall and the inner wall. This first channel, defines by the outerwall and the inner wall, can include a first seal that is placed withinthe first channel.

The embodiment of the protective housing described above has a topmember that mates or otherwise engages with the bottom member in orderto at least partially cover a tablet computer. Accordingly, this topmember is designed to engage with the bottom member as the two matetogether to form a protective housing for a tablet computer. The topmember is configured to include a frame having an inside edge to frame amulti-touch display. This frame of the top member also defines an outerperimeter or the top member. The top member may include a protrusionthat extends down from an inner surface of the frame near the outerperimeter. This protrusion inserts into the first channel and matesagainst the first gasket. The protrusion has a third latching mechanismfor latching with the first latching mechanism of the outer wall of thebottom member. The protrusion in the top member may further include afourth latching mechanism that latches together with the second latchingmechanism of the inner wall of the bottom member.

Additional embodiments of a protective housing for a tablet computer maybe derived from the primary ones described above, some of which mayinclude variations and/or additional features. Accordingly, anotherembodiment has a top member that further includes a shoulder to mateagainst a top of the outer wall of the bottom member.

In another embodiment of the protective housing, the inner surface ofthe top member further includes a second channel that is defined by aninner side wall and an outer side wall that is proximate the insideedge. This embodiment may further include a second gasket that is placedwithin the second channel. This second gasket extends out from the innerside wall and the outer side wall of the second channel to seal thefront side of a tablet computer at the multi-touch display when the topmember is coupled with the bottom member. In some embodiments, the topmember further includes a flexible ridge at the inside edge. Theflexible ridge is configured to abut against the front side of thetablet computer near the periphery of a multi-touch display locatedinside of the second gasket.

In certain other embodiments, a protective housing for a tablet computermay further comprise one or more pads that are raised or protrude fromthe inner surface proximate the inner wall of the inner surface of thetop member. These pads, whether only one or more than one are included,form a seat for the back side of the tablet computer to offset the backside of the tablet computer a predetermined distance from the innersurface of the top member. One or more of these pads may beinterchangeable.

In other embodiments of the protective housing, the bottom memberfurther includes a window that is formed between the outer surface andthe inner surface of the bottom member. This window may be a translucentmembrane.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the bottom member further includes a charge port that passes through abottom edge of the top member. These variations typically have a doorcoupled by a hinge with the bottom member to close the charge port. Thedoor for closing a charge port may further include a latch for securingthe door in a closed position. This door may further include a flexiblepad to seal the charge port when the door is in the closed position. Incertain embodiments, the flexible pad is configured to amplify soundemanating from the tablet computer when the door is in an openedposition.

In certain other embodiments, the top member has one or more teeth thatupward from an inside surface of a bottom edge of the top member. Theseone or more teeth function to receive a bottom edge of the tabletcomputer and to position the tablet computer relative to the top member.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the bottom member also includes a camera lens, for example a camera lensthat is formed in a top edge near the inner surface of the bottommember. In such embodiments, the bottom member of the protective housingmay further include a light a light sensor aperture that is near thecamera lens but also optically separated from the camera lens.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the top member further incorporates a flexible sealed button region thatfunctions to operate a button connected to the inner surface of the topmember.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the top member further incorporates a headphone jack aperture. In theseembodiments, the protective housing typically further includes a bung tooccupy and seal the headphone jack aperture.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the bottom member further includes a sealed toggle switch in the rigidframe for operating a corresponding toggle switch of the tabletcomputer.

In other embodiments of the protective housing for a tablet computer,the bottom member further includes one or more sealed button regions.These seal button regions extend from an outer surface of the bottommember, and they function to operate each of one or more correspondingbuttons of the tablet computer.

In certain embodiments, the first latching mechanism of the bottommember further includes a first ridge that protrudes along an inner faceof the outer wall of the rigid frame of the bottom member. In theseembodiments, the third latching mechanism may include a second ridgethat protrudes along an outward face of the protrusion of the topmember. This second ridge functions to interlock with the first ridgewhen the bottom member is mated with the top member.

In certain other derivatives of the primary embodiment, the secondlatching mechanism further includes a plurality of holes that aretypically spaced apart along the inner wall of the bottom member. Inthese embodiments, it may be further desirable for the fourth latchingmechanism to have a plurality of tabs that protrude from an inward faceof the protrusion of the top member. Each one of the plurality of tabsis designed to interlock with a corresponding one of the plurality ofholes present in the second latching mechanism when the bottom member ismated with the top member.

In some embodiments, the bottom member of a protective housing for atablet computer has a speaker or part thereof, such as a speaker grill,provided as part of an inner surface of the bottom member. An exemplaryspeaker grill includes a pattern of apertures or openings in a speakerregion in the rigid frame and a water-impermeable fabric attached to theinner surface of the bottom member over the speaker region.

Like the first primary embodiment of a protective housing for a tabletcomputer, an alternative primary embodiment of a protective housing fora tablet computer also includes a bottom member having a rigid framethat defines an outer perimeter that has an outer wall. The outer wallof the bottom member in this embodiment has a first latching mechanism.The bottom member also has an inner surface for receiving at least partof the perimeter or back side of the tablet computer. This inner surfaceforms an inner wall that is spaced apart from the outer wall. The innerwall of the bottom member incorporates a second latching mechanism. Thebottom member of the protective housing also has a first channel that isformed between the outer wall and the inner wall. This first channelincludes a first gasket that is situated within the first channel. Theprotective housing also has a top member that mates with the top memberdescribed above in order to at least partially cover a tablet computerthat is housed within the protective housing. The top member has aridged frame that has an inside edge that frames a multi-touch displayof a tablet computer, and which also defines an outer perimeter for thetop member. The bottom member further includes a protrusion that extendsdown from an inner surface of the rigid frame near the outer perimeter.This protrusion in the bottom member is capable of inserting into thefirst channel of the bottom member in order to facilitate the matingagainst the first gasket. This protrusion of the top member includes athird latching mechanism for latching with the first latching mechanismof the outer wall of the bottom member. Upon latching the protrusion ofthe top member additionally includes a fourth latching mechanism forlatching with the second latching mechanism of the inner wall of thebottom member. The top member of the protective housing also has asecond channel that is defined by an inner side wall and an outer sidewall proximate the inside edge. The top member additionally includes asecond gasket that is situated within the second channel and whichextends out from the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the topmember. This second gasket functions to seal the front side of thetablet computer at the multi-touch display when the top member of theprotective housing is mated with the bottom member.

Another alternative primary embodiment of a protective housing for atablet computer also includes a bottom member having a frame thatdefines an outer perimeter that has an outer wall, where this outer wallincludes a first latching mechanism. The bottom member in thisembodiment has an inner surface for receiving at least part of theperimeter or back side of the tablet computer. A protective housingaccording to this embodiment has a top member that is capable ofengaging/mating with the bottom member to at least partially cover thetablet computer. The top member has a frame with an inside edge thatframes the multi-touch display. This frame has ridged portions thatdefines an outer perimeter that correspond with the outer perimeter ofthe bottom member. The top member of this embodiment also includes asecond latching mechanism for latching with the first latchingmechanism. The top member also includes a gasket situated near theinside edge of the rigid frame. This gasket functions to seal the frontside of the tablet computer at the multi-touch display when the topmember is mated with the bottom member.

With respect to FIG. 14A, in particular embodiments, the housing 201 mayinclude a top member 202 and a bottom member 203 that when removablycoupled together form the housing 201. Also included is a locking member204, which locking member is configured for interacting with both thetop 202 and bottom 203 members so as to lock the two members in placewith respect to one another. Accordingly, in various embodiments, inaddition to a top and/or a bottom member, the housing may also include alocking member. In various instances a locking element is not included.However, where a locking element is included the locking element may beany suitable element that is capable of interacting with a top or bottommember or a component thereof to lock the top and bottom membertogether. It may be a fastener, a clasp, a latch, a band, a belt, abuckle, a wire, a bolt and nut, a screw, a lock, and the like.

It is to be understood that although as herein depicted a locking member204 is included, in various embodiments, a locking member need not beincluded or may be included in a different configuration, albeit withcorresponding changes being made to the top and bottom members toaccount for the absence or change in configuration of the lockingmember. For instance, the top member 202 may be configured for couplingto the bottom member 203 and thereby forming a waterproof seal withoutthe addition of a locking member 204. Such an instance may be usefulwhere the two members are designed to be coupled together and oncecoupled are not to be easily uncoupled. Or the locking element may beconfigured differently, such as a locking wedge element, wherein the topand bottom member suitably configured so as to have corresponding wedgereceiving members that are adapted to receive the locking wedge in amanner that accomplishes the coupling of the top and bottom memberstogether in a waterproof sealing.

In various instances, where a locking element is included, as hereindescribed, the locking member may be one or more elements meant to beassociated with respective top and bottom members and further meant tobe coupled together so as to lock the top and bottom members together.In one instance, the thickness of a locking member may be more or lessthan about 10 mm or about 8 mm, such as less than about 7 mm or about 6mm, for instance, less than about 5 mm or about 4 mm, such as less thanabout 3.5 mm or about 2.5 mm including less than about 2 mm or about 1mm dependent upon how the locking member is configured and where alongthe locking member the measurement is taken.

The width of a suitable locking element will also vary and may be moreor less than about 15 mm or about 13 mm, such as less than about 12 mmor about 10 mm, for instance, less than about 9 mm or about 8 mm, suchas less than about 6 mm or about 5.5 mm, for example, less than about 5mm or about 4.5 mm, including less than about 3 mm or about 2.5 mm, evenless than about 2 mm or about 1 mm dependent upon how the locking memberis configured and where along the locking member the measurement istaken.

The height of a suitable locking element will also vary and may be moreor less than about 16 mm or about 15 mm or about 13 mm or less, such asless than about 12 mm or about 10 mm, for instance, less than about 9 mmor about 8 mm, such as less than about 7 mm or about 6 mm, for example,less than about 5 mm or about 4.5 mm, including less than about 3 mm orabout 2.5 mm, even less than about 2 mm or about 1 mm dependent upon howthe locking member is configured and where along the locking member themeasurement is taken.

The length of the locking member will vary dependent on theconfiguration of the underlying device to be housed. Such devices aretypically in the shape of a square or rectangle, and thus, the length ofan individual locking member will vary dependent on what side of thehousing the locking member is to be positioned. It is to be noted thatthe device to be encased may have any suitable shape, e.g., round,circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, and the like, andconsequently the housing may additionally have any suitablecorresponding shape. However, in various instances, the shape of thehousing is either square or rectangular and the length of the lockingmembers may therefore be more or less than about 800 mm or about 750 mmor less, such as about 700 mm or 650 mm or less, such as about 500 mm orabout 450 mm or about 400 mm or less, for instance, about 350 mm orabout 300 mm or less, such as 250 mm or less, such as about 230 mm orabout 200 mm or less, for instance, about 150 mm or less, includingabout 100 mm or about 85 mm or less, for example, about 80 mm or about75 mm or less, such as about 70 mm or about 65 mm or about 60 mm orless, or even be about 50 mm or about 25 mm or less.

The top and bottom members may be fabricated from any suitable materialbut typically are fabricated from materials that are capable ofproviding one or more of stability, shock and liquid resistance to ahoused device when the top and bottom members are properly coupledtogether. In certain embodiments, the top and bottom members may becomposed of various different components and therefore may be fabricatedfrom a plurality of different materials. Suitable materials from whichthe top and bottom member and/or their component parts may be fabricatedinclude rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible materials that may be fabricatedtogether so as to provide shock and/or liquid resistance to the housing.Such materials may include but are not hereby limited to thermoplasticmaterials such as polycarbonates, and/or glass fiber-filledpolycarbonates and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, and/orpolyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/orpolyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyamides, and/or thermoplasticelastomers, and/or thermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoset epoxies,and/or silicones, and/or metals such as aluminum, and/or steel, and/orstainless steel, and/or titanium, and the like.

In this embodiment, the top member 202 of the housing 201 does notinclude a front and a back surface member. Although not included in thisembodiment in other embodiments, as described above, a top member frontand back surface member may be included. If a top member front and backsurface member were to be included, it could be fabricated from anysuitable material, such as polycarbonates, and/or polyethylenes, and/orpolypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/or polyethylene terephthalate,and/or silicones, and the like, be configured as a membrane that spansfrom one side of the perimeter to the other, and may be attachedtherewith by a molding process, such as by being overmolded with one ormore of the perimeter portions.

With respect to FIG. 14A, the top member 200 is primarily defined by theperimeter portion 220. The perimeter portion 220 is defined by aproximal end portion 221 and a distal end portion 222 as well asopposing side portions 223 and 224. The perimeter portion 220 mayfurther include additional perimeter portions such as an exteriorperimeter portion 220 a, a middle perimeter portion 220 b, and aninterior perimeter portion 220 c. The exterior 220 a and interior 220 cperimeter portions may be composed of the same material or differentmaterials from the perimeter portion, e.g., middle perimeter portion 220b, which materials may be the same or different from each other. Incertain embodiments, the perimeter portion surface may includeadditional materials such as those materials used in fabricating one ormore of ports 246, 285, 291 and/or switch features 271, 272, 273,described herein below.

In this embodiment, the bottom member 203 is defined both by theperimeter portion 230 and the bottom member front 235 and back surface236 member. The perimeter portion 230 is further defined by a proximalend portion 231 and a distal end portion 232 as well as opposing sideportions 233 and 234. The perimeter portion 230 may further includeadditional perimeter portions such as an interior perimeter portion 230a, a middle perimeter portion 230 b, and an exterior perimeter portion230 c. The interior 230 a and exterior 230 c perimeter portions may becomposed of the same material or different materials from the perimeterportion, e.g., middle perimeter portion 230 b, which materials may bethe same or different from each other. In certain embodiments, theperimeter portion surface may include additional materials, such asthose materials used in fabricating one or more switch features,described herein below.

Additionally, the bottom member 203 of the housing 201 includes a bottommember front 235 and a back 236 surface member, which surface member issurrounded by the perimeter portion 230. It is to be noted that althoughthe bottom member 3 is depicted as having a bottom member front 235 andback 236 surface member, in other embodiments, the surface member neednot be included. Rather, the bottom member 203 may be configured in asimilar manner as the top member 200, wherein the bottom member 203 maybe primarily defined by a perimeter portion 230 without having a bottomsurface member associated therewith. Alternatively, the top member 200may be configured as the bottom member 300 by having a top member frontand back surface member associated with the perimeter portion 200. Inthis embodiment, the bottom member front 235 and back 236 surface memberincludes a lens feature 280.

The front 235 and back 236 surfaces of the bottom surface member 203 maybe composed of the same material or different materials, which materialsmay be the same or different from the material or materials of one ormore of the perimeter portion(s) 230. In certain embodiments, the front235 and back 236 surface member of the housing 201 are comprised of atleast one membrane. In other instances, the front 235 and back 236surface member of the housing 201 is comprised of the same material ofat least part of the perimeter portion 230, such as being composed ofthe same material as the rigid or semi-rigid middle perimeter portion220 b. In certain embodiments, the bottom member surface member iscomprised of a semi-rigid material that is capable of vibrating in sucha manner that it amplifies the sound characteristics emitted from anencased device, in other embodiments, the bottom surface member iscomprised of a material that dampens the sound characteristics of anencased device. In this embodiment, the bottom surface member 35, 36includes a sound transmission portion 260 that is configured forallowing sound to traverse through the bottom of the housing.

As depicted, the housing 201 is further configured such that the top 202and bottom 3 members may be coupled together in such a manner as toprovide a waterproof seal there between. The components of the housing201, therefore, may be configured so as to include a clasping mechanism.Any suitable clasping mechanism may be used, so long as it is capable ofproviding for the coupling of the top 202 and bottom 203 memberstogether around a device to be encased, such as an electronic device, ina waterproof seal, while maintaining the design features of the encaseddevice. In this instance, the clasping mechanisms, e.g., lockingelements, of the housing are configured as corresponding snap-toothelements. In other embodiments, such as those set forth below, e.g.,with respect to FIG. 14E, the clasping mechanisms of the housing areconfigured as corresponding hook and wedge elements.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 14B, the top member 200of the housing 201 includes a clasping mechanism that is configured assnap-tooth members 227, which snap-tooth members 227 are configured forinterfacing with a corresponding clasping mechanism on the bottom member203. The top member clasping mechanism 227 includes six separatesnap-tooth locking members: left proximal snap-tooth members 227 a,right proximal snap-tooth members 227 b, distal snap-tooth members 227c, left snap-tooth members 227 d, and right snap-tooth members 240 e andmember 240 f.

In this instance, therefore, the clasping mechanism 237 of the bottommember 3 includes snap-tooth receptacles 237, which receptacles areconfigured for receiving the snap-tooth members 227. The claspingmechanism 237 includes six separate snap-tooth receptacles: leftproximal snap-tooth receptacles 237 a, right proximal snap-toothreceptacles 237 b, distal snap-tooth receptacles 237 c, left snap-toothreceptacles 237 d, and right snap-tooth receptacles 240 e and receptacle240 f.

Further, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14B, the housing 201additionally includes a clasping mechanism 204, configured as asnap-tooth comb locking member. The locking element 204 includes sixseparate snap-tooth locking combs: left proximal snap-tooth comb 240 a,right proximal snap-tooth comb 240 b, distal snap-tooth comb 240 c, leftsnap-tooth comb 240 d, and right snap-tooth combs 240 e and 240 f. Thetop 202 and bottom 203 members are consequently configured forinterfacing with the snap-tooth locking element 204 in such a mannerthat a waterproof seal is provided thereby. Hence, the snap-toothmembers 227 of the top member 202 are configured for interfacing withthe snap-tooth comb locking member 204, and the snap-tooth receptacles237 of the bottom member 203 are further configured for receiving boththe snap-tooth members 227 of top member 202 as well as the snap-toothcombs 240.

As depicted, the top member 202 includes six sets of snap-tooth members:227 a, b, c, d, e, and f. Consequently, the bottom member 203 includessnap-tooth receptacles 237 a, b, c, d, e, and f and the locking element204 includes snap-tooth combs 240 a, b, c, d, e, and f. It is to benoted that the number and sets of snap-tooth members, receptacles, andcomb elements may vary in corresponding fashion. Hence, in certainembodiments, there may be more or less than six sets of snap-toothmembers, receptacles, and combs, such as five, four, three, two or oneset.

As indicated, the snap-tooth receptacles 237 are configured forreceiving and engaging the snap-tooth members 227 as well as thesnap-tooth comb elements 240 so as to provide a firm connectiontherewith. As can be seen with respect to FIGS. 16A-C, each snap-toothreceptacle 237 includes a snap-tooth receptacle space 238 within whichportions of the snap-tooth members 227 and the comb elements 240 a-f arereceived. In this embodiment, the snap-tooth receptacles 237 are furtherconfigured for engaging both the snap-tooth member 227 and the combelement 240.

For instance, one or more of the receptacles 237 includes a snap-toothcomb engaging interface, such as detent 239 a (not visible), whichdetent engages a corresponding engaging interface, e.g., detentreceiving element 244, on the comb element 240. This interaction helpsto lock the comb 240 in place and prevents it moving horizontally anddisengaging from the snap-tooth receptacle 237 and then being free tomove vertically along its vertical axis. Additionally, as depicted,receptacle 237 includes a snap-tooth member engaging interface, e.g.,detent 239 b (not visible), that engages a corresponding engaginginterface, e.g., detent receiving element 228 b (not visible), on thesnap-tooth member 227. This interaction helps to lock the snap-toothmember 227 in place and prevents it from moving vertically with respectto its vertical axis.

As depicted in FIG. 14C, the snap-tooth member 227 and the snap-toothcomb 240 are configured in such a way that when they are in contact withone another, each prevents the other from moving laterally away from itsvertical axis. In a manner such as this the snap-tooth member 227 isheld in place against the snap-tooth member engaging detent 239 b (notvisible), and prevented from being disengaged therefrom, eithervertically or horizontally; and the snap-tooth comb 240 is held in placeagainst the snap-tooth comb engaging detent 239 a (not visible), andprevented from being disengaged therefrom, either vertically orhorizontally. Consequently, while the comb 240 is in place, both thesnap-tooth member 228 and the snap-tooth comb 240 are locked againsteach other, the top member 202 is coupled with the bottom member 203,and a waterproof seal is provided thereby. This sealing furtherfunctions to lock the top member 202 against the bottom member 3 suchthat the two members cannot be uncoupled until the comb is removed.

It is to be noted that although a specific configuration is hereinpresented, the interaction of the snap-tooth member 227, with the comb240, and their interaction with the bottom member 203, e.g., withreceptacles 237, can be configured differently without departing fromthe spirit of the interaction. For instance, the individual engagementelements, e.g., 227, 239, 244, etc. may be configured differently and/orbe positioned on different surfaces. For example, the snap-tooth member227 may include a snap-tooth comb-engaging element, which snap-toothcomb 240 may include a corresponding snap-tooth member engaging element.In such an instance, the snap-tooth member 227 may directly engage andlock with the snap-tooth comb 240, via the corresponding engagementelements, so as to lock the snap-tooth member 227 together with thesnap-tooth engagement comb 240, thereby effectuating the coupling of thetop member 202 with the bottom member 203. In such an instance,receptacle detents 239 may or may not be present. Or, in anotherembodiment, the referenced detents 239 could have different engagementconfigurations than those provided with respect to FIGS. 18A-K.

Accordingly, FIG. 14B provides a perspective view of the housing 201 inan exploded view. The housing includes top member 202, bottom member203, and locking element 204, where the locking element is configured asa snap-tooth comb member. The top member 202 may include a plurality offeatures. For instance, the top member 202 may primarily include aperimeter portion 220. The perimeter portion may include one or moredifferent sub-portions, such as an exterior perimeter portion 220 a, amiddle perimeter portion 220 b, and an interior perimeter portion 220 c.One or more of these perimeter portions may be fabricated from the sameor different material and/or may perform one or more of the same ordifferent functions.

For example, the top member exterior perimeter portion 220 a may befabricated from a flexible material so as to provide a measure of shockabsorbance to the housing 201. The middle perimeter portion 220 b may befabricated from a rigid or a semi-rigid material so as to providestructural integrity to the top member 202. Such materials may includebut are not hereby limited to thermoplastic materials such aspolycarbonates, and/or fiber-filled polycarbonates and/or acrylonitrilebutadiene styrenes, and/or polyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes, and/orpolyurethanes, and/or polyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyamides,and/or polyvinyl chlorides and/or thermoplastic elastomers, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoset epoxies, and/or silicones,and/or metals such as aluminum, and/or steel, and/or stainless steel,and/or titanium, and the like. The interior perimeter portion 220 c maybe fabricated from a flexible or a semi-flexible material. For instance,the flexible exterior and/or interior perimeter portions may be made andassociated with the more rigid middle perimeter portion by any suitableprocess such as overmolding, vulcanizing, adhesive bonding, thermalbonding, substrate bonding such as an adhesive tape substrate,mechanical bonding such as stretching around, and/or entrapment in agroove, and the like.

With respect to the exterior perimeter portion 220 a, in certaininstances, it may be fabricated from a flexible or semi-flexiblematerial, such materials may include but are not hereby limited torubbers such as natural, and/or nitrile, and/or neoprene, and/orsilicones, and/or fluorosilicones and/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluorelastomer and/or polyurethanes, and/or thermoplastic elastomers such asethylene propylene, and/or thermoplastic vulcanates, and/orthermoplastics such as polypropylene, and/or polyethylene and/or foamssuch as foamed polyvinyl chloride, and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/orfoamed polyurethane urethane, and the like. Thus, the exterior perimeterportion 220 a may be configured in such a way so as to act like a bumperproviding the housing with a measure of shockproof protection.

With respect to the interior perimeter portion 220 c, it may befabricated from a flexible or semi-flexible material, such materials mayinclude but are not hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/ornitrile, and/or neoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosiliconesand/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes,and/or thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene,and/or polyethylene and/or foams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride,and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, andthe like, and may be configured so as to facilitate the generation of awatertight seal with a surface, e.g., screen, of an encased device.

In certain embodiments, the interior perimeter portion may be adaptedfor facilitating the cleaning of said screen. For instance, the interiorperimeter portion 220 c may be configured as a wiper and may be adaptedfor bridging the surface of the screen of an underlying device with themiddle perimeter portion 220 b, such that as one wipes the screen towardthe wiper, any particulate or fluid matter is pushed up and over theperimeter 220, rather than into the top member/device screen interface.It is to be noted that although three perimeter portions 220 a, b, c aredemarcated more or less perimeter portions may be included. For example,in certain embodiments, an exterior 20 a and/or interior 20 c perimeterportion need not be associated with the middle perimeter portion 220 b.

The top member 202 may also include a home button 215. For instance, themiddle perimeter portion 20 b may have an extended portion that isconfigured for interfacing with a button present on a top surface screenof an underlying device. Additionally, the top member 202 may have aninterface 249 for engaging a portion of a charge port latch 241. Asindicated above, the top member 202 further includes one or moreclasping mechanisms, which in this instance are configured as aplurality of snap-tooth members 227 a, b, c, d, e, and f. However, inother embodiments, such as provided with respect to FIGS. 14E-14I, andas described in detail herein, the clasping mechanisms may be configuredas wedge receiving duck hook elements. Further, in this embodiment thetop member 202 does not include a top member front and back surface thatstretches from one side of the perimeter to the other; however, invarious other embodiments, a front and back surface, such as a pliablemembrane, may be provided.

The bottom member 203 may also be defined by a perimeter portion 230.The perimeter portion may include one or more different sub-portions,such as an exterior perimeter portion 230 a, a middle perimeter portion230 b, and an interior perimeter portion 230 c. The bottom member 203perimeter portions may be fabricated from the same or differentmaterials, such materials may include but are not hereby limited tothermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates, and/or fiber-filledpolycarbonates and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, and/orpolyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/orpolyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyamides, and/or polyvinylchlorides and/or thermoplastic elastomers, and/or thermoplasticvulcanates, and/or thermoset epoxies, and/or silicones, and/or metalssuch as aluminum, and/or steel, and/or stainless steel, and/or titanium,and the like, and may perform the same or different functions. Theexterior perimeter portion 230 c may be fabricated from a flexible or asemi-flexible material. For instance, the flexible exterior perimeterportion may be made and associated with the more rigid middle perimeterportion by any suitable process such as overmolding, vulcanizing,adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, substrate bonding such as an adhesivetape substrate, mechanical bonding such as stretching around, and/orentrapment in a groove and the like. In various embodiments, more orless perimeter portions may be included.

Additionally, the perimeter portion 230 may include one or more otherfeatures. For instance, the perimeter portion 230 may include one ormore port features, such as a charge port receptacle 246. The chargeport receptacle 246 may be configured for receiving a charger of adevice to be encased, and may include a receptacle cover 241, such as acharge port door. The charge port door 241 may further be configured foropening and closing and thereby sealing the charge port receptacle 246in a waterproof seal. Consequently, the top member 202 may be configuredfor interacting with the charger port door 241 so as to providewaterproof seal therewith.

For example, as indicated above, the top member 202 may include alatching feature 249, e.g., a latch ramp receiver, that is configuredfor engaging a corresponding latching feature, e.g., a latch ramp, onthe charge port door 241, so as to seal the charge port receptacle 246in a waterproof seal. It is to be noted that although the latch featurehas been described with respect to various of its elements beingpositioned on the top 202 and/or bottom 203 member, it is understoodthat this order may be reversed and/or all of the latch feature may bepositioned entirely on one of the top or bottom members.

The bottom member 203 may additionally include one or more buttoninterfaces, such as one or more orientation toggle interfaces 272 a andb, a volume button interface 273, and/or an on/off button interface 271,which interfaces may be positioned along the perimeter 230 or on a backsurface member 235, 236 of the bottom member 203 (see, e.g. FIG. 14E).Further, the bottom member 203 may include a port, such as an earphoneport 285, which port may be adapted to receive an earphone, speaker, orother jack feature; and/or a noise reduction port feature 291. A frontand back surface 235, 236 of the bottom member may also include a lensfeature 280.

It is to be noted, as can be seen with respect to the front and backsurface member 235, 236 of FIG. 14B, the surface may be fabricated fromany suitable material, such as polycarbonates, and/or polyethylenes,and/or polypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/or polyethyleneterephthalate, and/or silicones, and/or glass such as toughened orimpact modified grades and/or painted, and/or powder coated and/orvacuum metalized, and the like, and be of any suitable color. In thisinstance, the front and back surface 235, 236 is fabricated from atransparent material, such as a clear plastic. Having a transparentbottom member surface may be useful because it allows a user to readilysee the condition of the underlying electronic device, facilitates thetransfer of radiant energy from the device, and helps maintain theaesthetic features of the underlying device. Nevertheless, in otherinstances, the bottom member front and back surface 235, 236 isfabricated from an opaque material. Further, as described above, aperimeter portion 230 of the bottom member may include a claspingmechanism 237, such as one or more sets of snap-latch receptacles, suchas receptacles 237 a, b, c, d, e, and f, which receptacles are adaptedfor receiving one or both of the snap-tooth members 228 and/or thesnap-tooth combs 240. It is to be noted, however, that in certaininstances, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 14E-14I, theclasping mechanism 237 of the bottom member 203 may have a differentconfiguration, such as a locking wedge receiving hook configuration.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 14B, the housing 1 may also beconfigured for receiving one or more locking elements 240, such assnap-tooth combs 240 a, b, c, d, e, and f, which locking elements mayengage one or both of the clasping mechanisms of top 202 and bottommembers 203 so as to couple the top and bottom members together and toprovide a waterproof seal therewith. It is also to be noted thatalthough the locking element 204 is depicted as being a snap-tooth comblocking element, in various embodiments it may be configured as alocking wedge, which locking wedge is adapted for engaging correspondinghook elements of the top and bottom member clasping mechanisms.

FIG. 14C provides a front perspective view of the housing of FIG. 14B,however, in this embodiment, the bottom member front and back surface235, 236 of the bottom member 203 is opaque and not transparent. Asdepicted the top member 202 includes a perimeter portion 220, whichperimeter portion 220 includes a series of snap-tooth members 227. Thebottom member additionally includes a perimeter portion 230; however,unlike the top member 202, the bottom member 203 includes a front andback surface member 235, 236. Albeit, in certain instances it is the topmember 202 that includes a front and back surface member, while thebottom member 203 does not. In other embodiments, neither the top 202nor the bottom member 203 include a front and back surface member;rather each is defined solely by perimeter portions 220 and 230respectively. In this instance, the bottom member 203 includes a chargeport receptacle 246 and a charge port door 241, having a charge portgasket 245; while the top member includes a charger port door engagingmember, e.g., latch ramp receiver 249. However, it is understood thatthis order may be reversed or configured differently, as describedabove. Also depicted are locking elements 240, which in this instanceare configured as snap-tooth combs.

FIG. 14D provides a back perspective view of the housing of FIG. 14C. Ascan be seen from this view, top member 202 additionally includes abutton feature 215, which button feature traverses from one side of theperimeter portion 220 to the other. The button feature 215 is configuredfor interacting and thereby manipulating a button of an underlyingdevice. As shown, the button feature 215 is overlaid with a home buttongasket 216, which gasket provides a waterproof sealing for the homebutton 215. Also depicted is a perimeter gasket 210 positioned on anunderside of the perimeter portion 220, such as under middle perimeterportion 220 b. In this instance, the gasket 210 circumscribes the entireperimeter portion 220, and further circumscribes the bounds of thebutton feature 215. In this manner, a watertight seal is produced whenthe top member 202 is coupled together with the bottom member 23 and/orlocked therewith, for instance, via locking element 204.

As indicated above, FIG. 14E provides a top down perspective view of analternative embodiment of the housing 201 described herein. Thisembodiment of the housing 201 includes a top member 202 and a bottommember 203 which are configured for encasing an electronic device, suchas a tablet computer or reader. When the top 202 and bottom 203 membersare coupled together, e.g., positioned against each other, they providea continuous inside surface and a continuous outside surface. Thisembodiment of the housing 201 also includes clasping mechanisms that areconfigured for providing a waterproof sealing when the top 202 andbottom members 203 are coupled together. In this embodiment, anadditional clasping mechanism, e.g., locking elements 204, is alsoprovided so as to fixedly attach the top member 202 and bottom member203, such as when they are encasing an electronic device. The lockingelements 204 include a left proximal locking wedge 240 a, a rightproximal locking wedge 240 b, a distal locking wedge 240 c, a leftlocking wedge 240 d and a right locking wedge 240 e.

The top member 202 includes a top member exterior perimeter portion 20a, a top member middle perimeter portion 220 b, and a top memberinterior perimeter portion 220 c. The top member interior perimeterportion 220 c defines a rectangular space in the middle of the topmember 202. The top member middle perimeter portion 20 b surrounds theouter edge of the top member interior perimeter portion 220 c. The topmember exterior perimeter portion 220 a surrounds the outer edge of thetop member middle perimeter portion 220 b.

The top member exterior perimeter portion 220 a can be configured as abumper. A bumper, as used herein, is a flexible or semi-flexiblematerial that cushions the outer edge of the top member 202. The topmember interior perimeter portion 20 c can be configured as a wiper. Awiper, as used herein, is a flexible or semi-flexible material that canbe configured to contact the surface of the electronic device when incontact with the top member. The flexible or semi-flexible material maybe but are not hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/ornitrile, and/or neoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosiliconesand/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes,and/or thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene,and/or polyethylene and/or foams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride,and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, andthe like.

On the under side of the outside edge of the top member middle perimeterportion 220 b are provided top member wedge receiving duck hooks 227.The left proximal side of the top member middle perimeter portion 220 bhas top member left proximal wedge receiving duck hooks 227 a positionedon the under side of the outside edge of middle perimeter portion 220 b.The right proximal side of the top member middle perimeter portion 220 bhas top member right proximal wedge receiving duck hooks 227 bpositioned on the under side of the middle perimeter portion edge 220 b.The right side of the top member middle perimeter portion 220 b has topmember right wedge receiving duck hooks 227 d positioned on the underside of the outside edge of the middle perimeter portion 220 b.

The bottom member 203 includes an earphone jack port 285 in its distalleft side. The earphone jack port 285 includes an earphone port cover286 that may be removably inserted into the earphone jack port 285 insuch a manner as to provide a waterproof seal therewith. When theearphone port cover 286 is inserted into the earphone jack port 285 theearphone port cover 286 prevents the passage of fluids, especiallyliquids, into and through the earphone jack port 285. In certainembodiments, these fluids include air and water.

The bottom member 203 also includes a lens feature 280. The lens feature280 may simply be a clear surface that is transparent to light. In thisembodiment, the lens feature 280 includes a lens that providesmagnification and/or filtering to a camera lens, such as camera lenspresent on an encased device, which is placed against the inside surfaceof the lens feature 280. The lens feature 280 may also contain a lensthat provides a wide angle effect to a camera lens that is placedagainst the inside surface of the lens feature 280. The lens feature 280may also contain a transparent material that does not substantially bendlight passing through the material that makes up the lens feature 280.Thus, a camera placed against the inside surface of the lens featurewould not have its performance affected by the presence of the lensfeature 280. The transparent material that makes up the lens feature canbe glass, plastic or the like.

The bottom member 203 also includes a noise reduction port 296 in theapproximate center of its distal side 232.

Like the top member 202, the bottom member 203 also has wedge receivingelements, in this instance, they are configured as bottom member wedgereceiving hooks and are positioned along the outermost edge of middleperimeter portion 230 b. The left proximal outer edge of the bottommember 203 has bottom member left proximal wedge receiving hooks 237 apositioned on its upper edge. The right proximal outer edge of thebottom member 203 has bottom member right proximal wedge receiving hooks237 b positioned on its upper edge. The distal outer edge of the bottommember 203 has bottom member distal wedge receiving hooks 237 cpositioned on its upper edge. The left outer edge of the bottom member203 has bottom member left wedge receiving hooks 237 d positioned on itsupper edge. The right outer edge of the bottom member 203 has bottommember right wedge receiving hooks 237 e positioned on its upper edge.

The top member 202 and bottom member 203 can be fitted together. Whenthe top member 202 and bottom member 203 are aligned and coupledtogether, the top member wedge receiving duck hooks 227 and bottommember wedge receiving hooks 237 can interdigitate and therebyinterlock. This interdigitation creates a groove along the perimeter 220where the top member 202 and bottom member 203 join. The locking wedgeelements 204 can then be inserted into these grooves to lock the topmember 202 and bottom member 203 together. In certain embodiments, thisis configured to create a fluid tight seal between the top member 202and bottom member 203. In certain instances, the fluid can be air, wateror the like.

FIG. 14F shows a bottom up perspective view of embodiment of the housingdescribed herein at FIG. 14E. The bottom member 203 is shown proximal tothe top member 202 in this perspective. In this embodiment, thefront/back surface 235/236 of the bottom member 203 is made of atransparent material, such as polycarbonates, and/or polyethylenes,and/or polypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/or polyethyleneterephthalate, and/or silicones, and/or glass such as toughened orimpact modified grades and the like. The front/back surface may befabricated along with at least a portion of the perimeter portion 220 orit may be adjoined thereto. The front and back surface member 235, 236of FIG. 14F may be fabricated from a rigid, flexible or a semi-flexiblematerial and may be made and associated with the middle perimeterportion by any suitable process such as overmolding, in-mold decorating,vulcanizing, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, substrate bonding suchas an adhesive tape substrate, mechanical bonding such as stretchingaround, and/or entrapment in a groove and the like.

In this embodiment, the front/back surface 235/236 is molded along withthe middle perimeter portion 220 b as a contiguous member. Overlaid onthe exterior edge of the back surface 236 and middle perimeter portion220 b of the bottom member 203 is an exterior perimeter portion 230 a.The exterior perimeter portion 230 a can be made of any suitablematerial, and may be a flexible or semi-flexible material that cushionsthe outer edge of the bottom member 203, such materials may include butare not hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/or nitrile,and/or neoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosilicones and/orfluorocarbons, and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes, and/orthermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene,and/or polyethylene and/or foams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride,and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, andthe like, thereby acting as a bumper portion. The flexible orsemi-flexible material can be rubber, neoprene, polypropylene or thelike.

The exterior view of the bottom member 203 shows the passage of theearphone jack port 285 through the left distal side 232 of the bottommember 203. (It is the right distal side of the bottom member 203 whenviewed from the top side of the housing.) The exterior view of thebottom member 203 also shows the passage of the lens feature 280 throughthe right distal side of the bottom member 203. (It is the right distalside of the bottom member 203 when viewed from the top side of thehousing.) The exterior view of the bottom member 203 further shows thepassage of the noise canceling feature 296 through the distal side ofthe bottom member 203. It is the right side of the bottom member 203when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.

The bottom member 203 includes a bottom member on/off switch 71 on theright distal side of the bottom member 203. (It is the right distal sideof the bottom member 203 when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG.14E.) The bottom member 203 further includes orientation toggles 272 aand b on the right side of the bottom member 203. (It is the right sideof the bottom member 203 when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG.14E.) The bottom member additionally includes a volume button 273 justbelow the orientation toggles 272 a and b. The bottom member 203 alsoincludes a sound transmission portion 260 just above its right proximalend 231. (It is the right proximal end of the bottom member 203 whenviewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.) Also on the proximal end231 of the bottom member 203 is a charge port door 241. (It is theproximal end of the bottom member 203 when viewed from the perspectiveshown in FIG. 14E.) The charge port door provides access to a chargeport located on the distal end of an encased electronic device. Incertain embodiments, when the charge port door 241 is closed it preventsfluids from passing through the charge port door 241 to the inside ofthe housing. In certain embodiments, the fluid is air, water or thelike.

The top member 202 also includes a gasket 210 along the inside edge ofthe top member middle perimeter portion (20 b from FIG. 14E). The gasket210 can create a fluid tight seal between the top member 202 and thebottom member 203 and/or electronic device when the electronic device isencased and in contact with the top member 202. The gasket 210 can bemade of a flexible or semi-flexible material that cushions where the topmember 202 and the electronic device meet and also can create a sealbetween them. The flexible or semi-flexible material may include but arenot hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/or nitrile, and/orneoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosilicones and/or fluorocarbons,and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes, and/or thermoplasticelastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/or thermoplastic vulcanates,and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene, and/or polyethylene and/orfoams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride, and/or foamed nitrile rubber,and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, and the like

Visible in this interior view of the top member 202 are the distal wedgereceiving duck hooks 227 c positioned along the distal side 222 of thetop member 202. (It is the distal side of the top member 202 when viewedfrom the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.) Also visible in this interiorview of the top member 202 are the left wedge receiving duck hooks 227 dpositioned along the left side of the top member 202. (It is the leftside of the top member 202 when viewed from the perspective shown inFIG. 14E.)

The top member 202 includes a button gasket 216 a (not visible, seeFIGS. 14F and 15B) located at the distal end of the top member 202. (Itis the distal side of the top member 202 when viewed from theperspective shown in FIG. 14E.) The button gasket 216 a underlays a homebutton feature 215 of the top member 202 and provides a waterproofsealing therewith, thereby preventing the leakage of liquid through thehome button 215. As the home button 215 includes a home button knob 215b for manipulating the home button of an encased device, the buttongasket also allows for the manipulation of a control surface on theelectronic device through the housing through the button gasket buttoninterface 16 b located on the inside surface of the button gasket 216 a,which interface underlays that home button knob 215 b. Accordingly, incertain embodiments, the button gasket 216 a and button gasket buttoninterface 216 b allows for manipulation of a control surface on theelectronic device while preventing the passage of fluid through the topmember 202. In certain instances, this fluid can be air, water or thelike.

The top member 202 also includes an earphone jack cutout 289 located atthe left distal end. (It is the left distal side of the top member 202when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.) The cutout allowsfor the tight junction of the top member 2 and bottom member at theearphone jack port 285.

FIG. 14G shows a related embodiment of the housing described at FIG.14E. In this embodiment, the bottom member front/back surface 235, 236is opaque. FIG. 14G shows a detailed view of the earphone port cover286. The earphone port cover 286 includes a bung head 286 b, bungthreads 288, and a bung gasket 287. The bung gasket 287 and threads 288fit into the earphone jack port 285. When the bung gasket 287 ispositioned inside the earphone jack port 285 and the threads 288tightened against the corresponding threads present in the port 285, thebung head 286 b covers the external opening of the ear phone jack port285 and a waterproof seal is provided thereby. Accordingly, in certainembodiments, the bung gasket 287 prevents the passage of fluid into theinterior of the housing. In certain instances, this fluid can be air,water or the like.

Specifically, in certain embodiments, the earphone jack port 285 isgrooved, so that the ear phone port cover 286 may be screwed intoposition closing the earphone jack port 285. In these embodiments, theear phone port cover 286 includes bung threads that allow the ear phoneport cover to be screwed into the ear phone jack port 285. These threadscan be typical screw-like threads, be configured as a cam feature, orother closure mechanism, such as a depressible seal mechanism thatdepresses as the port cover 286 is inserted into the port jack 285 andthen expands once therein thereby sealing the port in a waterproof seal.

FIG. 14H shows an embodiment of the housing described herein with theelectronic device 100 it houses. The electronic device 100 includes adevice earphone jack port 185 on its left distal end. (It is the leftdistal end of the electronic device 100 when viewed from the perspectiveshown in FIG. 14E.) The electronic device 100 also includes a devicenoise canceling feature 196 on the proximal end of its top face. (It isthe proximal end of the top face of the electronic device 100 whenviewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.) The electronic device100 further includes a device on/off switch 171 on its right distal end.(It is the right distal end of the electronic device 100 when viewedfrom the perspective shown in FIG. 14E.) The electronic device 100additionally includes a device orientation toggle 172 on its right sidenear its distal end. (It is the right side near the distal end of theelectronic device 100 when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG.14E.) The electronic device 100 also includes a device home button 115on the distal end of its top face. (It is the distal end of the top faceof the electronic device 100 when viewed from the perspective shown inFIG. 14E.)

As shown in FIG. 14H, the earphone jack port 285 is positioned to allowaccess to the device jack port 185. Also as shown in FIG. 14H, the noisereduction port 96 is positioned to allow the device noise cancelingfeature 196 to have access to the outside of the housing. Also as shownin FIG. 14H, the bottom member on/off switch interface 271, theorientation toggles 272 a and b, volume button 273, and home button 215allow for manipulation of the device on/off switch 171, the deviceorientation toggle 172, the device volume switch 173 and the device homebutton 115 of the encased electronic device 100 while the electronicdevice 100 is encased in the housing.

FIG. 14I shows a different perspective of the embodiment shown in FIG.14F.

FIG. 15A provides a top-down perspective view of the top member 202 ofFIG. 14A. As depicted the top member 202 is primarily defined by aperimeter portion 220. The perimeter portion includes an exteriorperimeter portion 220 a, a middle perimeter portion 220 b, and aninterior perimeter portion 220 c. In this instance, all three perimeterportions are fabricated from different materials and molded together.The outer perimeter portion 220 a is fabricated from a flexible orsemi-rigid material and is adapted to give the outer rim of the case ameasure of shock absorbance. The flexible or semi rigid material mayinclude but are not hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/ornitrile, and/or neoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosiliconesand/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes,and/or thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene,and/or polyethylene and/or foams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride,and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, andthe like. Thus, the outer perimeter portion 220 a is referenced hereinas a bumper portion. The flexible or semi rigid material may include butare not hereby limited to rubbers such as natural, and/or nitrile,and/or neoprene, and/or silicones, and/or fluorosilicones and/orfluorocarbons, and/or perfluor elastomer and/or polyurethanes, and/orthermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene propylene, and/orthermoplastic vulcanates, and/or thermoplastics such as polypropylene,and/or polyethylene and/or foams such as foamed polyvinyl chloride,and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, andthe like.

The interior perimeter portion 220 c is also fabricated from a flexibleor semi-rigid material and is adapted to provide a measure of sealingfor the interior of the housing 201. For instance, the interiorperimeter portion 220 c is adapted so as to interact with a screenportion of an encased device in such a manner that a close interface isgenerated. This close interface will help prevent water from seeping inunder the interior perimeter portion 220 c. Additionally, the interiorperimeter portion is adapted such that fluids and/or particulate matterwill slide or otherwise flow over the perimeter 220 of the top member202, rather than under the perimeter 220. For this reason, the interiorperimeter portion may be referenced herein as a wiper portion. Theflexible or semi rigid material may include but is not hereby limited torubbers such as natural, and/or nitrile, and/or neoprene, and/orsilicones, and/or fluorosilicates and/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluorelastomer and/or polyurethanes, and/or thermoplastic elastomers such asethylene propylene, and/or thermoplastic vulcanates, and/orthermoplastics such as polypropylene, and/or polyethylene and/or foamssuch as foamed polyvinyl chloride, and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/orfoamed polyurethane urethane, and the like. The inner perimeter portion220 c may be made and associated with the middle perimeter portion byany suitable process such as overmolding, in-mold decorating,vulcanizing, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, substrate bonding suchas an adhesive tape substrate, mechanical bonding such as stretchingaround, and/or entrapment in a groove and/or other mechanical bondingmethod and the like.

The middle perimeter portion 220 b is made from a semi-rigid to rigidmaterial and it separates the exterior bumper 220 a portion from theinterior wiper 220 c portion. The middle perimeter portion functions inpart to give structural integrity and stability to the housing 201. Therigid to semi-rigid material may include but is not hereby limited tothermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates, and/or fiber-filledpolycarbonates and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, and/orpolyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes, and/or polyurethanes, and/orpolyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyamides, and/or polyvinylchlorides and/or thermoplastic elastomers, and/or thermoplasticvulcanates, and/or thermoset epoxies, and/or silicones, and/or metalssuch as aluminum, and/or steel, and/or stainless steel, and/or titanium,and the like.

Although the perimeter portion 220 has been exemplified here in as beingcomposed of three different parts 220 a, b, c, which parts arefabricated from three different materials, the perimeter portion 220may, in various instances, be composed of more or less component parts,which in turn may be fabricated from the same or different materials.

The top member 202 further includes a clasping mechanism 227 that isconfigured as a plurality of engaging members, which members areconfigured for engaging one or more of the bottom member 203, e.g., thebottom member clasping mechanism 237, and/or the locking element 204.The engaging members 227 may have any suitable configuration so long asthey are capable of interacting with one or both of the bottom 203 orlocking 204 members so as to couple the top 202 and bottom 203 memberstogether and thereby generate a waterproof sealing therewith. One or aplurality of engaging members 227 may be provided and in this instance,a plurality of sets of engaging members: 227 a, b, c, d, e, and f, havebeen provided.

It is to be noted that the number of individual engaging members, e.g.,snap-teeth, provided in each set may vary, as well as the number of setsmay vary. It is useful, however, to have the engaging memberscircumscribe the entire perimeter or a substantial portion thereof, asthis will provide a more secure coupling of the top 202 and bottom 203members with one another. As depicted, there is a gap between snap-teeth227 e and snap-tooth 227 f, which gap is adapted to accommodate variousfeatures of the underlying device, such as volume control and/ororientation features. It is noted that where such features of anunderlying device differ, so too will the configuration of the claspingmechanism, e.g., the configuration of snap-teeth engaging members 227will differ. In any event, enough snap-teeth members 227 should beincluded so as to create a firm, waterproof sealing around the perimeterof the housing 201.

Also included in the top member are a button feature 215, a charge portlatching ramp engaging element 239 a, and a thumb-nail cutout portion239 b. As described above, the configuration of each of these featurescould be interposed or otherwise different, for instance, all of theseelements may be positioned entirely on the top or bottom member, ifdesired.

FIG. 15B provides a bottom-up perspective view of the top member 202 ofFIG. 15A. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15B, the bottom surface ofthe perimeter portion 220 of the top member 202 includes a gasket 210.The gasket circumscribes the entire perimeter 220. Although the gasket210 need not circumscribe the entire perimeter 220, in many instances itis beneficial that it do so, as to secure a waterproof sealing when thetop 202 and bottom 203 members are securely fitted around an encaseddevice and coupled and/or locked together.

Also depicted is the underside of the home button 215, which home button215 is covered with a home button sealing gasket 216 a. As can be seenwith respect to FIG. 15A, the perimeter portion 220 b forms an extendedregion wherein the home button feature 215 is positioned. Although thisfeature may be part of the perimeter portion, e.g., integral therewith,it may in various embodiments be distinct therefrom. For instance, inthis embodiment, the extended perimeter portion includes a cutoutportion 215 c wherein the home button feature is positioned. Asemi-rigid home button 215 a (not visible) is positioned therein andoverlaid with a flexible home button gasket 216 b. The home button 215includes a knob portion 215 b, which is configured as button interfaceportion, which interface portion interfaces with the home button of anencased device so as to manipulate the functioning of said device. Theflexible home button gasket 216 b additionally includes a home buttoninterface portion 216 a, which interface portion overlays the homebutton interface portion 215 b.

The top member 202 snap-tooth members 227 a, b, c, d, and e are alsoclearly depicted. Each snap-tooth member 227 includes a plurality of subportions. For instance, each snap-tooth member 227 includes a snap-toothbase 228 a, a slanted surface face 228 b, and an intersecting surfaceface 228 c. Together the slanted face 228 b and intersecting face 228 cform a catch or ledge that is capable of engaging a correspondingengagement element provided on a bottom member 203 or locking member204. In a manner such as this a top 202 and bottom 203 member may becoupled and/or locked together, for instance, by the top-member claspingmechanism, depicted herein as 228 engaging a corresponding claspingmechanism on a bottom 203 and/or locking member 204.

FIG. 15C provides a top-down perspective view of the bottom member 203.As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15C, the bottom member 203 is alsoat least partially defined by the perimeter portion 230. The perimeterportion includes an exterior perimeter portion 230 a, a middle perimeterportion 230 b, and an interior perimeter portion 230 c.

The exterior perimeter portion 230 a includes several features such as acharge port receptacle cutout, which at least partially surrounds thecharge port receptacle of the middle perimeter portion 246, and aplurality of button and/or switch interfaces, such as orientation toggleinterfaces 272 a and b, volume switch interface 273, and on/off switchinterface 271. It is to be noted that these features include aninterface element that translates action from an exterior perimeterportion 220 a of the bottom member 203 through to the middle perimeterportion 220 b. The middle perimeter portion 220 b, therefore, has acorresponding button and/or switch interface element that translatesthis action to an encased device thereby allowing a user to manipulatethe functioning of the encased device by manipulating the exteriorbutton and/or switch features. In this instance, the interior perimeterportion 220 c is simply cut away from the button features, but incertain instances could overlay one or more of them. Additionally, theinterior perimeter portion 220 c forms an interior perimeter bumperportion as well as a device seat, which is adapted for cushioning thedevice from the interior of the housing and providing a measure of shockabsorbance therefore.

Further, the bottom member 203 may include an earphone port 285 that isadapted to receive an earphone, speaker, or other jack feature. Theearphone port 285 traverses form the exterior to the interior of thehousing 201. Not shown, but which may be included, either on a top or abottom member is a noise reduction port feature. Also, in thisembodiment the front and back surface 235, 236 of the bottom member 203is opaque and does not include a lens feature.

The bottom member 203 additionally includes a speaker transmissionportion 60 that is adapted for transmitting sound from an interior ofthe housing 201 to an exterior of the housing. The speaker soundtransmission portion 260 includes sound inlet apertures 261, whichapertures translate from the interior of the housing to the exterior ofthe housing thereby letting sound flow therethrough. The apertures 261overlaid with a membrane, e.g., an acoustic vent membrane, 263, whichmembrane allows sound to pass there through bot not liquid, such aswater. In a manner such as this sound may be permitted to pass throughthe bounds of the housing 201, but water is not. The transmissionportion may also include a sound barrier 263 that is adapted to containsound within the bounds of the transmission portion, and to preventsound from being translated to other regions of the interior backsurface of the housing 201. This barrier 263 may or may not be included,but where included it may function to dampen the bass characteristics ofsound generated by an encased device.

The perimeter portion 230 of the bottom member 203 includes claspingmechanism 37 that is configured as a set of snap-latch receptacles. Thebottom member, therefore includes a left proximal snap-tooth receptacle237 a, a right proximal snap-tooth receptacle 237 b, a distal snap-toothreceptacle 237 c, a left snap-tooth receptacle 237 d, a right snap-toothreceptacle 237 e, and a right snap tooth receptacle 237 f Thesereceptacles are adapted for receiving both the snap-tooth members 228 ofthe top member 202 and the snap-tooth combs 240.

FIG. 15D provides a bottom-up perspective view of the bottom member 203of FIG. 15C. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15D, the bottom memberincludes a perimeter portion 220 that includes an exterior perimeterportion 230 a and a middle perimeter portion 230 b. The exteriorperimeter portion 230 a includes a charge port cutout which cutoutallows access to the charge port receptacle 246 of the middle perimeterportion. The exterior perimeter portion 220 a additionally includesorientation toggle interfaces 272 a and b, volume switch interface 273,and on/off switch interface 271. The bottom member 203 also includes anearphone port 285 and the front and back surface 235, 236 includes alens feature 280 as well as a speaker transmission portion 260 thatincludes sound inlet apertures 261. The bottom member additionallyincludes snap-tooth receptacles 237 a, b, c, d, e, and f.

FIG. 15E provides a perspective view of the locking member 204. In thisembodiment the locking member is configured as a plurality of snap-toothcombs: left proximal snap-tooth comb 240 a, right proximal snap-toothcomb 240 b, distal snap-tooth comb 240 c, right snap-tooth comb d, andright snap tooth e. Each snap-tooth comb includes one or a plurality ofsnap-tooth elements. Each snap tooth element includes a plurality ofportions, such as a slanted snap-tooth clasping surface 242 and anintersecting snap-tooth clasping surface, both of which are joined by asnap-tooth comb backbone 243. Each snap-tooth is additionally separatedfrom one another by a snap-tooth space 244. It is noted that rightsnap-tooth 240 f comprises a solitary snap-tooth element and isseparated from snap-tooth comb 240 e by a space. This space isconfigured for accommodating one or more button features, such as buttonfeatures 272 and 273 of the bottom member. This space may be longer orshorter and the snap-tooth element 240 f may have a plurality ofsnap-tooth elements, or may not be present at all. However, it is usefulto have snap-tooth 240 f present so as to provide structural integrityto the seal formed by coupling the top member 202 with the bottom member203.

FIG. 15F provides a perspective view of the proximal end 231 of thebottom member 203. Specifically, the bottom member charge portreceptacle 246 is provided. The charge port receptacle 246 is bounded bybounding member 247, which bottom member further includes one or morecharge port axle receiving orifices 248 a, b. As can be seen withrespect to FIG. 15F, the charge port bounding member 247 is formed aspart of the middle perimeter portion 220 b, and is further at leastpartially surrounded by a cutout portion of the exterior perimeterportion 220 a.

FIG. 15G provides a top-down perspective view of the alternativewedge-locking version of the top member 202 of FIG. 14E. As depicted thetop member 202 is primarily defined by a perimeter portion 220. Theperimeter portion includes an exterior perimeter portion 220 a, a middleperimeter portion 220 b, and an interior perimeter portion 220 c. Inthis embodiment, and as can be seen with respect to FIG. 15H, the topmember 202 includes a clasping mechanism 227 that is configured as aplurality of sets of wedge receiving, e.g., duck hook engaging, members,such as: a left proximal duck hook portion 227 a, a right proximal duckhook portion 227 b, a distal duck hook portion 227 c, a left side duckhook portion 220 d, and a right side duck hook portion 227 e.

The duck-hook engaging members 227 of the top member are configured forinterfacing with one or more clasping mechanism 237 of the bottom member203, which in this embodiment are configured as wedge receiving, e.g.hooks, as well as being configured for receiving at least a portion ofthe locking element 204 therein. In this embodiment the locking element204 is configured as a wedge member 240. See FIG. 15K.

It is to be noted that with respect to this embodiment, the number ofindividual duck hook members provided in each set may vary, as well asthe number of sets may vary. The top member duck hook and correspondingbottom member hook engaging members may circumscribe the entireperimeter or a portion thereof, and in this embodiment circumscribe asubstantial portion thereof thereby providing a more secure coupling ofthe top 202 and bottom 203 members with one another. The top member alsoincludes a button feature 215, a charge port latching ramp engagingelement 239 a, and a thumb-nail cutout portion 239 b. As can be seenwith respect to FIG. 15H, the top member 202 further includes a buttonfeature 215 having a button feature sealing gasket 216 and an earphoneport cutout 289.

FIG. 15I provides a top-down perspective view of the bottom member 203of the locking wedge embodiment provided in FIG. 15H. As can be seenwith respect to FIG. 15I, the bottom member 203 is at least partiallydefined by the perimeter portion 230. The perimeter portion includes anexterior perimeter portion 230 a, a middle perimeter portion 230 b, andan interior perimeter portion 230 c. The exterior perimeter portion 230a includes a charge port receptacle 246 and a plurality of switchinterfaces, such as orientation toggle interfaces 272 a and b, volumeswitch interface 273, an on/off switch interface 271, as well as a noisecancelling feature 291. The bottom member 203 also includes an earphoneport 285 that is adapted to receive an earphone, speaker, or other jackfeature.

The perimeter portion 230 of the bottom member 203 includes claspingmechanisms 237 a, b, c, d, and e, which clasping mechanisms areconfigured as sets of wedge receiving hooks. The bottom member 203,therefore, includes a set of left proximal wedge receiving hooks 237 a,a set of right proximal wedge receiving hooks 237 b, a set of distalwedge receiving hooks 237 c, a set of left wedge receiving hooks 237 d,and a set of right wedge receiving hooks 237 e. These wedge receivinghook elements are spaced apart from one another in such a manner thatthe gaps between each hook element are adapted for receivingcorresponding duck hook elements of the top member 202. And together,when the top member 202 is coupled to the bottom member 203, and the topmember 202 wedge receiving duck hook elements 227 are aligned with thebottom member 203 wedge receiving hooks 237, a cavity is formed via thecomplimentary shape of the hook features such that a locking wedgeelement 240 may be inserted there into and thus function to lock thehooks in place thereby sealing the top 202 and bottom 203 memberstogether in a waterproof sealing.

FIG. 15J provides a bottom-up perspective view of the bottom member 203of FIG. 21. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15J, the bottom memberincludes a perimeter portion 220 that includes an exterior perimeterportion 230 a and a middle perimeter portion 230 b. The exteriorperimeter portion 230 a includes a charge port cutout which cutoutallows access to the charge port receptacle 246 of the middle perimeterportion. The exterior perimeter portion 220 a additionally includesorientation toggle interfaces 272 a and b, volume switch interface 273,and on/off switch interface 271. The bottom member 203 also includes anearphone port 285 and the front and back surface 235, 236 includes alens feature 280, having a raised lens skirt 281 as well as a speakertransmission portion 260 that includes sound inlet apertures 261. Thebottom member additionally includes wedge receiving duck hook members237 a, b, c, d, e, and f.

FIG. 15K provides a perspective view of the locking member 204. In thisembodiment the locking member is configured as a plurality of lockingwedges: left proximal locking wedge 240 a, right proximal locking wedge240 b, distal locking wedge 240 c, left locking wedge 240 d, and rightlocking wedge 240 e. Each locking wedge 240 includes a plurality ofsub-portions, such as a wedge base element 246, hook interface member247, which in this instance is shaped as an arrow point, and a wedgeintersecting surface 248, which in this instance is formed as a groovethereby giving the locking wedge a distinct arrow shape. It is notedthat a suitable locking wedge 240 may have any configuration so long asit is able to be fitted within the groove created by the interdigitatedhook members of the top 202 and bottom 203 members, and thereby capableof locking the top 202 and bottom 203 members together in a waterproofseal. Thus, although in this embodiment the locking wedge 240 isconfigured as an arrowhead, it may have other suitable configurations aswell, although the arrowhead configuration may have particularusefulness.

In certain embodiments, the housing may include a port opening, such asan electrical interface port, for instance, a charge port receptacle. Toensure increased protection of the underlying device, such as to protectthe underlying device from dirt, liquid, shock, etc., the housing mayadditionally include a port door and latch that is capable of openingand closing so as to cover and seal the charge port receptacle. The portand/or door may be positioned, for instance, along a perimeter of thehousing, such as at a proximal or distal end or a side thereof. Incertain instances, the port receptacle and door provide a shock andwater resistant latch port. The port door may be positioned on a top ora bottom perimeter member of the housing and may be configured forspanning across from one side of the opening to another.

For example, FIG. 15L provides a perspective view of a charge port door241 and latch 249 of a latch feature of the housing 201. The charge portdoor 241 includes a charge port gasket 245. The charge port gasket 245is configured for engaging and sealing around a charge port receptacle246 and thereby creating a waterproof seal therewith. The charge portdoor 241 additionally includes a charge port axle 248 b, which in thisembodiment is configured as a charge port “pin” member. The charge portpin member 248 b fits through a charge port axle orifice 248 a of thecharge port door 241 and interfaces with corresponding orifices 248 c,d, on the bottom member 203 so as to connect the charge port door 241with the bottom member 203 and allow the charge port door 241 to openand close by rotating about the axle 248 b.

FIG. 15M provides a perspective view of a button feature 215 positionedon a middle perimeter portion 220 b at a proximal end 221 of the topmember 202. The button feature 215 includes a button 215 a and a buttoninterface portion or knob 215 b positioned on the underside of thebutton 215 a. Also shown is a button feature sealing gasket 216 a andcorresponding button interface portion receiving element 216 b.

Additionally depicted is a top member 202 latch port interface 239. Thetop member 202 latch port interface includes a latch receiving ramp 239a and a thumbnail cutout 239 b. Specifically, where a charge portreceptacle 246 and charge port door 241 are provided, for instance, on abottom member 203 of housing 201, a further latch port interface 239 maybe provided, for instance, on a top member 202. The latch port interface239 is configured for engaging the charge port door 241 so as to lockthe latch door 241 in a closed position. In this instance, the latchport door interface 239 is positioned above the charge port receptacle246 and receptacle bounding member 247. The latch port door interface239 is configured as a latch ramp, which latch ramp 239 a is adapted forengaging a corresponding latch ramp interface portion 249 of the latchdoor 241 when the latch door is in the closed position thereby securingthe latch door in the closed position.

FIG. 15N provides a cutaway view of the button feature 15 of FIG. 15M.The button feature 215 includes a button 215 a and a button interfaceportion or knob 15 b positioned on the underside of the button 215 a.Also shown is a button feature sealing gasket 216 and correspondingbutton interface portion receiving element 216 b. As can be seen, theremay be a small space 215 c between the button 215 and the button sealinggasket 216. The top member gasket 210 further surrounds the underside ofthe button feature 215 to further provide waterproof protectiontherefore.

FIG. 15O provides a cutaway view of a button feature 215 and a latchport feature. The latch port feature includes a charger port receptacle246 that is bounded by a charger port bounding member 247 and covered bythe charge port door 241 of FIGS. 15L and M. The button feature 215includes a button 215 a and a button interface portion or knob 215 bpositioned on the underside of the button 215 a. Also shown is a buttonfeature sealing gasket 216 and corresponding button interface portionreceiving element 216 a.

In this instance, the latch feature is positioned on a proximal end 231of the housing 201. The latch feature includes a port or latchreceptacle bounding member 247, having a port opening 246 therein, andfurther includes a latch door 241. The port receptacle bounding member247 circumscribes the opening 246, wherein the opening may be configuredto receive a charge member for charging an underlying electronic device.The latch feature also includes a latch cover 241 that is configured forcovering the latch receptacle bounding member 247 so as to form awaterproof seal therewith.

The latch feature and port opening bounding member 247 may have anysuitable configuration. In one embodiment, the latch feature ispositioned entirely in one of the upper or lower housing members.Consequently, all of the latch feature components will be positionedentirely on that housing member. In an alternative embodiment, the latchfeature is configured for spanning from one housing member, e.g., 202,to the other housing member, e.g., 203. Thus, the opposing housingmembers 202 and 203 will have corresponding latch interfaces that areconfigured for engaging the latch door 241 so as to seal the portreceptacle 247. In either instance, the port receptacle bounding member247 includes an opening 246, and the port covering 241, e.g., a latchdoor, which latch door 241 is configured for moving from an open to aclosed position so as to cover the port receptacle 246.

As depicted, the latch feature is configured for spanning from onehousing member 202 to the other housing member 203. Accordingly, each ofthe housings 202, 203 will include corresponding latch interfaces. Forinstance, the charge port receptacle bounding member 247 is positionedwithin the proximal end portion 221 of top member 202. The latch featureincludes a cover door and a plurality of latch door interfaces.

For instance, the first latch feature interface is a latch doorconnector 48 b. The latch door connector 248 b may have any suitableconfiguration so long as it is capable of interfacing with a latch door241 and facilitating the movement of the latch door 241, e.g., from anopened to a closed position or vice versa. In this instance the latchdoor connector is configured as a latch door axle 248 b that ispositioned on the proximal end portion 231 of the bottom member 203. Thelatch door axle 248 b is positioned below the port receptacle boundingmember 247, which is contained in top member 202. The latch door axle248 b is configured for engaging the latch door 241 via an axle orifice248 a so as to assist the latch door in moving from an opened to aclosed position, wherein the closed position the latch door 241 spansthe opening 246 bounded by the charge port receptacle 246. Thus, themoving of the latch door 241 from an opened to a closed position resultsin the covering and/or sealing of the opening 246 bounded by the chargeport receptacle bounding member 247. In this instance, the latch door241 is configured for rotating about the latch door connector 248 b.

As depicted, the latch port door 241 is in a substantially closedposition whereby the charge port door latch ramp 249 is engaged with thelatch ramp receiving element 239 a. The charge port door 241 includes acharge port gasket 245 that seals around the charge port receptacle 246thereby creating a waterproof seal therewith. Also depicted are thecharge port connector, e.g., an axle pin, 248 b which is fitted throughthe charge port axle orifice 248 a of the charger port door 241.

In certain embodiments, the closing of the latch door 241 closes theport opening 246 in a liquid-tight seal. To ensure a liquid-tight seal,the latch feature may have one or more additional features. Forinstance, the latch feature may include a gasket 245, such as an O-ringor other depressible gasket. The gasket 245 may be positioned on oraround a charge port receptacle bounding member 247 or may be positionedon a latch door 241 or both.

For instance, as depicted in FIG. 15O, the latch door 241 includes agasket 245, which gasket is of a dimension so as to be at leastpartially fitted within the opening 246 of the bounding member 247 suchthat as the latch door is moved from an opened to a closed position, aportion of the gasket 245 covers the opening 246 and, in certaininstances, may at least be partially fitted within the port opening 246,in either instance thereby sealing the port. Accordingly, the chargeport receptacle bounding member 247 includes a gasket interface surfacethat is positioned in such a manner so as to interact with the gasket245 and thereby provide a watertight seal when the latch door 241 is inthe closed configuration, e.g., when the latch ramp interface 239 iscoupled to the latch ramp 249.

To facilitate this interaction, in certain embodiments, it may bebeneficial for the housing member, e.g., 202, having the charge portopening bounding member 247 therein to include an additional rigidstructural feature that is adapted to provide increased structuralintegrity to the charge port receptacle bounding member 247 so as toprovide additional support for the port opening. For example, in certaininstances, when there is a charge port receptacle bounding member 247 ina top member 202 of the housing 201, the port opening may have atendency to make the immediate surrounding material weaker. Therefore, arigid support material may be associated with the bounding member 247 soas to support the region surrounding the port opening.

Without the inclusion of the rigid support material the top and bottomportions surrounding the opening may be forced away from one anotherthereby compromising the ability of the opening to be sealed in awatertight manner. In such an instance, the rigid stiffening materialmay be added so as to insure the integrity of the port opening. Incertain instances, this reinforcing is accomplished without thickeningthe material of the housing member because this might result in makingthe overall housing thicker, wider, and/or longer, although it can bedone in this manner. In an alternative embodiment, therefore, a rigidelement is added to the top member 202 having the port opening 271 atherein. For instance, an injection molded stiffener, such as astainless steel, magnesium, rigid plastic component, or the like may beincluded in the top member 202 and associated with the materialsurrounding the port opening 246 so as to provide increased rigiditythereto, thereby maintaining the physical integrity of the port openingand preventing flexing. It is to be understood that although the abovehas been described with respect to the port opening being positioned inthe top member 202, the port opening can be positioned in the bottommember 203 as well with consequent changes to the other latch features.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15P, the latch feature includes acharge port receptacle bounding member 247 having a latch door 241,which latch door is in the open position. As depicted, the top member202 includes the charge port receptacle bounding member 247 and furtherincludes a latch ramp receiving member 239 associated therewith. Theport opening bounding member 247 bounds an opening 246, e.g., a portopening, in the top member 202. The bottom member 203 includes a latchdoor axle, e.g., a hinge axle, 248 b. The latch door 241 interfaces withthe hinge axle 248 b on the bottom member 203. For instance, the latchdoor 241 includes an axle orifice 248 a through which the hinge axle 248b is fitted. The latch door 241, therefore, rotates around the hingeaxle 248 b, e.g., back and forth from a closed to an opened position.The latch door 241 additionally includes a latch ramp or interfaceportion 249 that interfaces with the latch ramp receiving member 239 apositioned above the port opening bounding member 247 of the top member202. Accordingly, when the latch door 241 is in the closed position thelatch ramp interface portion 249 couples with the latch ramp receivingmember 39 a to close and/or seal the port opening 246.

FIG. 15P provides the same view as in FIG. 15O this time with the latchramp 249 disengaged from the latch ramp receiving member 239 a and thecharge port door 241 in the open position. Depicted is a bottom member203, having a back surface 236 and a proximal end 231 perimeter portion230. The bottom member 203 also includes a hinge axle 248 b, which axleresides in a hinge orifice 248 a. A latch door 241 is also provided. Thelatch door 241 interfaces with the hinge axle 248 b on the bottom member203. The latch door 241 includes a hinge axle interface, e.g.,configured as a hinge orifice 248 a. The hinge orifice 248 a isconfigured for receiving the hinge axle 248 b therein. The interactionbetween the hinge axle 248 b and the hinge orifice 248 a allows the door241 to rotate about the axle 248 b so as to move from an open to aclosed position. Additionally, the latch door 241 includes a latch ramp249 that interfaces with the latch ramp receiving portion 239 a of thetop member 202 so as to secure the latch cover 271 b in the closedposition. As depicted, the latch ramp 249 is disengaged from the latchramp receiver 239 a and the latch door is opened.

Also depicted is top member 202. The top member 202 includes a proximalend portion 221. The proximal end portion 221 includes an outerperimeter portion 220 a, which outer perimeter portion is comprised of asemi-flexible material, and middle perimeter portion 220 b, which middleperimeter portion is comprised of a rigid material. The proximal endportion 221 of the top member 202 also includes a port opening 246. Theport opening 246 is bounded by a port receptacle bounding member 247. Inthis instance, the outer perimeter portion 220 a includes a cutoutportion, which cutout portion accommodates the charge port receptaclebounding member 247 and charge port door 241. The charge port receptaclebounding member 247 may therefore be contiguous with, e.g., formed by,the rigid material comprising the middle perimeter portion 220 b, or maybe added thereto.

The port receptacle bounding member 247 may also include a gasketinterface that is configured for interfacing with a gasket, such as agasket 245 associated with a latch door 241, e.g., a gasket that isdimensioned for fitting around and/or within and sealing the portopening 246 when the latch door 241 is in a closed position.

FIG. 15Q provides a perspective view of FIG. 15P this time with thecharger 298 fully installed.

FIG. 16A provides a side-vertical perspective of the housing 201 in anexploded, disassembled view. The housing 201 includes a top member 202,a bottom member 203, and a locking element 204, wherein the lockingelement is configured as a series of snap-tooth comb elements 240 aleft-proximal snap-tooth comb, 240 b right proximal snap-tooth comb, 240c distal snap-tooth comb, 240 d left hand side snap-tooth comb, 240 eright hand side snap-tooth comb, and 240 f right hand snap-tooth. Thetop member 202 includes corresponding sets of snap tooth members 227 a,b, c, d, e, and f. And the bottom member 203 includes correspondingsnap-tooth receptacles 237 a, b, c, d, e, and f that are positionedaround its perimeter portion, e.g., middle perimeter portion 230 b, andconfigured for receiving and engaging both the snap-tooth members 227 ofthe top member 202 as well as the snap-tooth combs 240.

Accordingly, distal extended portions of the snap tooth members 227 ofthe top member 202, and distal extended portions of the snap-tooth combs240 are configured for being inserted into the snap-tooth receptacles237 of the bottom member 203 and for engaging therewith so as to notonly couple the top 202 and bottom 203 member together but to lock theminto place in a waterproof manner. Specifically, as the top member 202is coupled with the bottom member 203 and locked into place by thelocking combs 240 being inserted into the receptacles 237 and engagingtherewith. The gasket 210 is thereby compressed against an encaseddevice and/or the bottom member and thereby seals the housing 201against infiltration by liquids and particulate matter such as dust,dirt, mud, snow, and the like. Also depicted are charge port door 241,on/off switch 271, orientation toggles 272 a and b, volume controlswitch 273, lens feature 280 positioned on back surface 235, earphoneport 285, and earphone port cutout 289.

FIG. 16B provides another view of the housing 201 of FIG. 16A this timefrom a horizontal distal head on view.

FIG. 16C provides the same housing as set forth in FIG. 16B however thistime with an electronic device 100 to be encased provided. The housing 1includes a top member 202 and a bottom member 203, which fit over andsurround the device 100 to be encased. The top member 202 includes aplurality of sets of snap tooth members 227 a, b, c, d, e, and f. Andthe bottom member 203 includes corresponding snap-tooth receptacles 23a, b, c, d, e, and f that are positioned around its perimeter portion,e.g., middle perimeter portion 230 b, and configured for receiving andengaging both the snap-tooth members 227 of the top member 202 as wellas the snap-tooth combs 240.

Once positioned around the device 100, the top 202 and bottom member 203are coupled together, e.g., by snapping the snap-tooth members 227together with the snap-tooth catches configured on the interior walls ofthe snap-tooth receptacles of the bottom member. The locking element 204includes corresponding sets of snap-tooth combs 240 a, b, c, d, e, and fthat are configured for being inserted into the receptacles 237 a, b, c,d, e, and f and thereby engaging corresponding engagement portionstherein, thereby being locked into place and consequently locking thesnap tooth members 227 of the top member 202 in place as well.

Accordingly, once the top member 202 and bottom member 203 arepositioned around the electronic device 100 and coupled together bybeing snapped into place around the perimeter edge, the left-proximalsnap-tooth comb 240 a may be inserted and snapped into place, followedby the right proximal snap-tooth comb 240 b, the distal snap-tooth comb240 c, the left hand side snap-tooth comb 240 d, the right hand sidesnap-tooth comb 240 e, and finally the 240 f right hand snap-tooth maybe inserted and snapped into place, thereby locking the housingtogether. It is to be understood that the order of assembly providedherein is for exemplary purposes only as the order may change asdesired.

FIG. 16D provides a rear view of the housing of FIG. 16C this time withthe device 100 encased, the top 202 and bottom 203 members coupled, andthe locking elements 240 inserted therein and the housing 201 fullyassembled and locked into place.

FIG. 17A provides a distal forward perspective view of the top member202 and locking element 240 as they would be positioned and alignedprior to insertion within the bottom member 203. The top member 202includes a middle perimeter portion 220 b having sets of snap-toothmembers 227 positioned thereon, e.g., fabricated as an integral memberthereof and extending downward away from the perimeter portion.

In this embodiment, there are six sets of snap-tooth members that areconfigured for being inserted within and engaging the receptacles 237 ofthe bottom member as well as for interfacing with six correspondinglocking elements: left proximal snap-tooth members 227 a are configuredfor interfacing with left proximal snap-tooth comb 240 a, right proximalsnap-tooth members 227 b are configured for interfacing with rightproximal snap-tooth comb 240 b, distal snap-tooth members 227 c areconfigured for interfacing with distal snap-tooth comb 240 c, left sidesnap-tooth members 227 d are configured for interfacing with left sidesnap-tooth comb 240 d, right side snap-tooth members 227 e areconfigured for interfacing with right side snap-tooth comb 240 e, andsnap-tooth member 227 f is configured for interfacing with snap-toothelement 240 f Also depicted are gasket 210, which gasket surrounds theunderside perimeter portion 220 b and home button feature 215, as wellas latch door 241.

FIG. 17B provides a reverse orientation view of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C provides a perspective view of the proximal end 21 of topmember 202. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 17C the proximal end 221includes an exterior perimeter portion 220 a forming a bumper memberaround a middle perimeter portion 220 b, and an interior perimeterportion 220 c, formed as an interior wiper portion. The middle perimeterportion forms a home button feature 215 as well as a charge portreceptacle 246 and latch receiving ramp 239 a and cut out 239 b. Forinstance, the middle perimeter portion 220 b includes a latch port rampreceiving member 239 a and a cutout 239 b. Also depicted are left andright snap-tooth members 220 d and e.

FIG. 17D provides a close up view of the left proximal snap-toothmembers 227 of the top member 202. As can be seen, each snap-toothmember 227 includes a plurality portions, such as snap-tooth base member228 a, a snap-tooth slanted surface 228 b, and a snap-tooth intersectingsurface 228 c. Together these features allow the snap-tooth members toengage and be engaged with corresponding features either on a bottommember 203 and/or a locking element 240.

FIG. 17E provides a side perspective view of the right-hand sidesnap-tooth members. As can be seen, there is a gap between thesnap-tooth members 228 e and 228 f, which gap is configured toaccommodate various button features positioned on the right hand side ofthe bottom member 203. Such a gap can be positioned anywhere necessaryto accommodate various features of the underlying device. Hence, one ormore gaps may be present, e.g., along a perimeter portion of thehousing.

FIG. 17F shows a detailed view of a wedge locking embodiment of the topmember 202 of the housing 201 described herein. Specifically, FIG. 17Fshows the top member wedge receiving duck hooks. Each of the duck hooksincludes a locking hook base member 228 a, a wedge seat member 228 b anda duck head portion 228 c. The locking hook base member attaches theduck hook to the top member 202. The wedge seat member creates a groovefor the introduction of the locking element 204, here, the left proximallocking wedge 240 a. The duck head portion 228 c fits into a groove inthe bottom member 203, increasing the stability of the housing when thetop member 202 and bottom member 203 are joined. The top member has asimilar groove between each of the duck hooks for receiving thecorresponding hook from the bottom member 203. In some embodiments thewedge receiving hooks in the top member and/or the bottom member haveduck head portions. In certain embodiments, only the top member wedgereceiving hooks have duck heads. In other embodiments, only the topmember wedge receiving hooks have duck heads. In the embodiments shownin the figures, the wedge receiving duck hooks work similarly across theedges of the top member 202.

FIG. 17F also shows a latch ramp receiving element 239 a and a thumbnail cut out portion 239 b. The latch ramp receiving element is forreceiving the charge port door 241 and securely fastening the door. Incertain embodiments, the charge port door 241 is fastened so as tocreate a seal that prevents leakage of fluids into the interior of thehousing. In certain embodiments, the fluids are air, water or the like.The thumb nail cut out portion 239 b is for opening the charge port door241 without the use of tools. The charge port door 241 can be openedmanually using the thumb nail cut out portion 239 b.

FIG. 17F also shows a corner member 228 e in the top member 202. Thecorner member 228 e fits into a corresponding groove on the bottommember 203 when the top member 202 and bottom member 203 are joined. Incertain embodiments, the corner member 228 a prevents leakage of fluidsinto the interior of the housing. In certain embodiments, the fluids areair, water or the like.

FIG. 17G shows detail of an embodiment of the top member 202 of thehousing described herein. Specifically, FIG. 17G shows the corner wherethe right proximal and right sides of the top member 202 join. FIG. 17Galso shows the locking hook duck head groove 228 d found between eachhook on the bottom member 203. In this embodiment, both the top member202 and the bottom member 203 have duck head hooks. The locking hookduck head groove allows for the locking hook duck heads found on thebottom member right wedge receiving hooks 237 e and bottom member rightproximal wedge receiving hooks 237 b to be inserted providing forincreased stability when the top member 202 and bottom member 203 arejoined. These locking hook duck head grooves 228 d are found betweeneach of the duck hooks along the bottom edge of the top member 202.

FIG. 17H shows a different perspective of the embodiment shown in FIG.17G.

FIG. 17I shows an embodiment of the housing described herein. This is amagnified view of the right proximal end of the bottom member 203 asshown from the top of the housing.

FIG. 17I also shows the top member locking element receiving space 246a. This space allows the top member right proximal wedge receiving duckhooks 227 b to interface with the bottom member right proximal bottommember wedge receiving hooks 237 b. Each top member locking elementreceiving space 246 a receives a duck hook from the top member 202. Theinterface of the duck hooks from the top member 202 and the bottommember 203 create a groove for the locking elements 204 to be insertedinto.

Further, each top member locking element receiving space 246 a containsa locking hook duck head groove 228 d for insertion of the duck headsfrom the duck hooks on the top member 202. These are shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 17G and 17H.

FIG. 17I shows additional detail for the left proximal locking element240 a. The left proximal locking element includes a hook interfacemember 241, a wedge intersecting surface 242 and a wedge base element243. The hook interface member 241 is the portion of the wedge that ininserted most deeply inside of the groove created by the hooks. Thewedge intersecting surface 242 make up the sides of the wedge. The wedgeintersecting surface 242 interacts with the walls of the groove createdby the hooks. The wedge intersecting surface 24) is oval shaped incross-section. That is, the wedge intersecting surface 242 in narrowwhere it meets with the hook interface member 241 widens to its widestpoint approximately half way between the hook interface member 241 andthe wedge base element 243 and then narrows again. This holds the leftproximal locking element 240 a and the other locking members on thehousing in place when the locking elements are inserted into the groovemade up of the hooks. The wedge base element 243 covers the groove madeby the hooks when the locking element is inserted into the groove.

FIG. 18A provides a cutaway view of the top 202 and bottom 203 membersprior to being coupled and locked together. As can be seen, the topmember 202 includes a snap-tooth member 227 that is configured for beingreceived within a corresponding snap-tooth receiving receptacle 237 onbottom member 203. The top member 202 snap-tooth member 227 isconfigured for engaging and being coupled to the receptacle 237 of thebottom member 203. For instance, the bottom member 203 receptacle 237includes an engagement element 239 that is configured for engaging acorresponding engagement element of the top member 202 snap-tooth member227. Specifically, the snap-tooth member 228 includes a snap-toothintersecting surface 228 c that is configured for engaging acorresponding bottom member snap-tooth interface 239 b, such that whenengaged, the top member 202 cannot be uncoupled from the bottom member203. Additionally, the receptacle 237 also includes a locking membersnap-tooth catch 239 a that is configured for engaging a correspondingengagement element on a snap-tooth comb portion that is configured forbeing inserted into the receptacle 237.

Accordingly, the snap-tooth member 228 and the snap-tooth comb 240 areconfigured in such a way that when they are inserted into the snap-toothreceptacle 237 of the bottom member 203 and in contact with one another,each prevents the other from moving laterally away from its verticalaxis. See, for instance, FIG. 18C.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 18C, the snap-tooth member 228 isconfigured for being engaged with the bottom member snap-tooth memberengaging detent or catch 239 b (see FIG. 18B) and may be held in placetherewith and prevented from being disengaged therefrom, eithervertically or horizontally, by the insertion of the snap-tooth comb 240.And once the snap-tooth comb 240 is inserted within the snap-toothreceiving receptacle 237 of the bottom member 203, the snap-tooth comb240 is held in place against the snap-tooth comb engaging detent 239 a,and prevented from being disengaged therefrom, either vertically orhorizontally by its interaction with the top member 202 snap-toothmember 227. Consequently, while the comb 240 is in place, both thesnap-tooth member 228 and the snap-tooth comb 240 are locked againsteach other, the top member 202 is coupled with the bottom member 203,and a waterproof seal is provided thereby. This sealing furtherfunctions to lock the top member 202 against the bottom member 203 suchthat the two members cannot be uncoupled until the comb 240 is removed.

It is to be noted that although a specific configuration is hereinpresented, the interaction of the snap-tooth member 228, with the comb240, and their interaction with the bottom member 203, e.g., withreceptacles 237, can be configured differently without departing fromthe spirit of the interaction. For instance, the individual engagementelements, e.g., 228, 239, 244, etc. may be configured differently and/orbe positioned on different surfaces. For example, the snap-tooth member228 may include a snap-tooth comb-engaging element, which snap-toothcomb 240 may include a corresponding snap-tooth member engaging element.

In such an instance, the snap-tooth member 228 may directly engage andlock with the snap-tooth comb 240, via the corresponding engagementelements, so as to lock the snap-tooth member 228 together with thesnap-tooth engagement comb 240, thereby effectuating the coupling of thetop member 202 with the bottom member 203. In such an instance,receptacle detents 239 may or may not be present. Or, in anotherembodiment, the referenced detents 239 could have different engagementconfigurations than those provided with respect to FIGS. 18A-K.

FIG. 18B provides the same view of the top 202 and bottom 3 members ofFIG. 18A this time with the snap-tooth member 227 of the top member 202completely inserted into the bottom member 203 receptacle 237 and fullyengaged with the bottom member snap-tooth interface 239 b. Thisengagement will prevent the snap-tooth member from moving verticallyaway from the bottom member 203. However, until the snap-tooth comb 240is inserted, the snap-tooth member engagement portion 228 may be movedlaterally so as to be disengaged from the bottom member snap toothinterface 239 b thereby being released therefrom and allowing the topmember 202 to be uncoupled from the bottom member 23.

For instance, the very snap-tooth comb 240 that is used to lock thesnap-tooth member 227 together with the snap-tooth receptacle 237 of thebottom member when inserted one way, e.g., into the snap-toothreceptacle space 238 a so as to allow the snap-tooth engaging detent 239a of the bottom member 203 to engage the snap-tooth comb detentinterface 244 positioned on the comb 240, when inserted in the reverseorientation, e.g., into the snap-tooth receptacle space 238 b, the tines241 of the snap-tooth comb 240 may be positioned within the snap-toothreceptacle space 238 b and the slanted surface 241 of the comb 240 mayengage the slanted surface 228 b of the snap-tooth member 227. In such aposition, the snap-tooth comb 240 may be employed to disengage thesnap-tooth member 228 from the bottom member 203, e.g., by a simpleflick of the wrist of the hand holding the snap-tooth comb 240 that hasbeen inserted into the snap-tooth receptacle in the reverse orientation.

FIG. 18C provides the same view as in FIG. 18B this time with thecorresponding snap-tooth comb 240 inserted into the bottom memberreceptacle and fully engaged with the receptacle engaging detent 239 avia corresponding snap-tooth comb detent interface 244. As can be seenwith respect to FIG. 18C, although both the top member 202 snap-toothmember 227 and snap-tooth comb 240 are received within the bottom member203 receptacle 237, neither element is locked to one another. Although,if desired, they could each be configured to lockingly engage the other.However, it is useful to configure the snap-tooth member 228 andsnap-tooth comb 240 to not lockingly engage one another so that the comb240 may be more easily disengaged from the bottom member 203 anddisassociated from its interface with the top-member 202 snap-toothmember and employed in uncoupling the top member 202 from the bottommember 203 as described above and thereby facilitating with thedisassembly of the housing 201 into its component parts. Having thelocking member 240 actually firmly engage the snap-tooth member 228would make this process more difficult, although in some instances, thatmay be useful, such as where the housing 201 is to be applied around adevice and not to be removed therefrom.

It is also noted with respect to FIG. 18C, that the interior perimeterportion 220 c of the bottom member 203 is formed as both an interiorbumper portion, providing shock absorbance to an encased device, butalso as a device seat. The interior perimeter portion 220 c thereforeincludes a device seat portion 230 d that is configured for positioningthe device within the housing with a specific orientation. For instance,the device seat 230 d contacts the device and raises it above the bottommember 203 front/back surface 235, 236 creating an interior portionspace 239 f therebetween. This space 239 f further functions to provideshock absorbance to the housing, facilitates the transmission of heataway from the device, and creates a sound channel for the amplificationof sound away from the back cover. The interior perimeter portion 230 cincludes an additional interface 230 g that engages an edge of theencased device and thereby creates another interior space 230 e, whichadditionally functions to provide a measure of shock absorbance for anencased device.

FIG. 18D provides a close up view of the interaction between thesnap-tooth member 228 and snap-tooth comb 240 illustrated in FIG. 18C.The lack of engagement between the top member snap-tooth member 228 andthe snap-tooth comb 240 allows the comb 240 to be easily removed withrespect to the snap-tooth member 228 and thus facilitates thedisassembly of the case. Specifically, as described above, once removedthe comb may be inverted and the tines of the comb (snap-tooth elements241) inserted into the receptacles 237, e.g., into snap-toothdisengagement space 238 b and used to disengage the snap-tooth memberengaging surface 228 c from the receptacle snap-tooth engaging detent244. Once disengaged the top member 202 may be easily uncoupled andremoved from the bottom member 203, and any encased device may beremoved therefrom.

FIG. 18E shows a cross section of an embodiment of the housing describedherein. The top member 202 is shown in close proximity to the bottommember 203 at the right proximal corner. The bottom member right wedgereceiving hooks 237 e are shown just below insertion into the spacebeside the top member right wedge receiving duck hook 227 d. The rightlocking wedge 240 e is also shown prior insertion into the groove formedby the hooks. The hook interface member 241 is shown pointing at thegroove to be formed by the hooks. The wedge intersecting surface 242shows indents that correspond with the bottom member wedge interfacingdetent 242 a. In certain embodiments, an interfacing detent can beformed in the top member 202 to interface with the wedge intersectingsurface 242.

FIG. 18E also shows the interior perimeter portion device seat 220 d andinterior perimeter portion device interface 220 f on the interior of thebottom member 203 in the interior perimeter portion device space 220 e.In certain embodiments, the interior perimeter portion device seat 220 dand interior perimeter portion device interface 220 f can be a flexibleor semi-flexible material that cushions the electronic device 300 whenin contact with the bottom member 203. The flexible or semi-flexiblematerial can be rubber, neoprene, polypropylene or the like.

FIG. 18F is another cross section of the right proximal corner of thehousing containing the electronic device 300. In this cross section, theright top member wedge receiving duck hook 227 d is shown, as well asthe locking hook duck head 228 c. The duck hooks on the top member 202have duck heads that when inserted into the locking hook duck headgroove 228 d improve the stability of the upper member 202 and lowermember 203 when they are joined together.

FIG. 18F also shows the interior space 220 g between the electronicdevice and the bottom member 203.

FIG. 18G is a cross section of the right proximal corner of the housingwherein the top member 202 and the bottom member 203 are joined. Thewedge receiving hook edge 238 b is inserted into bottom member lockingelement receiving space 246 b.

The electronic device 300 is absent from FIG. 18G. However, the gasket210 would be pressed against the electronic device 300 if it werepresent.

FIG. 18H is a cross section of the right proximal corner of the housingwherein the top member 202 and the bottom member 203 are joined. FIG.18H shows the locking hook duck 228 c inserted into the locking hookduck head groove 228 d. Further, FIG. 18H also shows the locking hookwedge seat member 227 d inserted into the top member locking elementreceiving space 246 a.

FIG. 18I is a cross section of the right proximal corner of the housingcontaining the electronic device 300. The right locking wedge 240 e isinserted into the groove made by the hooks from the top member 202 andbottom member 203. FIG. 18I also shows how the gasket 210 and the topexterior perimeter portion are adjacent to the electronic device 300when the top member 202 and the bottom member 203 are joined. Theposition of the top member right wedge receiving dock hook 227 d isshown.

FIG. 18J is a similar cross section to the one shown in FIG. 18I. FIG.18J shows the position of a bottom member right wedge receiving hook 237e. FIG. 18J also shows a top member wedge interfacing space 242 b. Insome embodiments, this space is occupied by a detent similar to thebottom member wedge interfacing detent 242 a.

FIG. 18K shows a side view of the right locking wedge 240 e fitting intothe groove made by the hooks from the top member 202 and the bottommember 203. When the right locking wedge is inserted into the groove, afinger nail slot 244 remains, allowing the wedge to be removed withouttools.

FIG. 19 provides a close up view of the sound transmission portion 260as described herein. The sound transmission portion may be positionedany suitable place along the housing such as along a perimeter portion220 or along a front and back surface portion 235/236. Further, thesound transmission portion may have any suitable configuration so longas it is capable of transmitting sound through the bounds of the housingwhile at the same time as preventing the ingress of liquid, such aswater, therethrough.

For instance, in certain embodiments, a perimeter or front and backsurface portion of the housing may include sound transmission portionthat is configured as a sound port, which port is adapted for enhancingthe transmission of sound through the housing. In one instance, suchsound port may be configured as an acoustic vent portion. A suitableacoustic vent will be adapted for transmitting and/or directing soundthrough the bounds of the housing such as toward a microphone portion,or away from a speaker portion, of an underlying electronic devicehoused within the housing.

For instance, a perimeter or front/back surface portion, such as on adistal or proximal end portion, may include a sound transmission portionthat is configured as an acoustic vent feature for transmitting sound.The acoustic vent feature may include one or a plurality of soundchannel(s) having an acoustic vent material positioned therein. Theacoustic vent material may span the sound channel at an angle from 0 to180 degrees in a forward or reverse direction. The sound channel mayextend from an exterior portion of the perimeter or back surface to aninterior portion of the perimeter or front surface and the acoustic ventmaterial may transect the sound channel, e.g., at an angle with respectto a centerline there through.

A proximal end portion of the housing 201 may include one or more, suchas a plurality of sound transmission portions 260 configured as acousticvents. For instance, in certain embodiments a microphone acoustic ventand/or a speaker acoustic vent portion may be provided. In oneembodiment, the proximal end portion may include a plurality of acousticvents which acoustic vents include a first sound channel for directingsound to a microphone acoustic vent, and a second sound channel fordirecting sound away from a speaker acoustic vent. The acoustic ventsmay be positioned within a top 202 or a bottom 203 member and traversefrom the outside of the housing, through the exterior, middle, andinterior perimeter portions and into the interior of the housing. Thevents may include acoustic channels which acoustic channels includerespective acoustic membranes that transect the acoustic channels. Thehousing surrounding the acoustic membranes may be configured so as to beovermolded therewith. Hence, the sound channels may further includeovermold portions that are configured to interface with a perimeterportion of the membranes so as to be overmolded therewith and therebysecure a liquid-tight seal between the housing and the acousticmembranes. The acoustic membranes are transmissive for sound but arenon-transmissive for liquid. Thus, sound can travel through the soundchannel in the housing but liquid, such as water, cannot because itcannot pass through the acoustic membrane.

In certain embodiments, the proximal end portion includes a plurality ofsound transmission portions, e.g., acoustic vents 260. In certaininstances, the plurality of sound transmission portions includes a soundchannel leading to a microphone acoustic vent, and a sound channelleading to a speaker acoustic vent. The acoustic vents may be positionedwithin a top member 202 or bottom member 203 and traverse from theoutside of the housing 201 into the interior of the housing.

Where such acoustic channels are provided, the acoustic channels mayinclude respective acoustic membranes and grille portions, which grilleportions are configured for providing additional support for theacoustic membranes. Specifically, the sound channel may be configured totapper toward the acoustic vent material, e.g., membrane, which soundchannel is configured for directing sound toward a microphone portion oraway from a speaker portion of an underlying electronic device housedwithin the housing 201. An acoustic vent bounding member, e.g., anovermolded skirt seal, may also be included and circumscribes theacoustic vent membrane. For instance, a portion of the acoustic ventmaterial may be overmolded with a rigid material so as to facilitate theisolation and reduction of transmission of sound, such as from thespeaker vent portion, so as to prevent interference therewith, and mayfurther strengthen the seal between the housing and the acousticmembrane thereby ensuring the liquid-proof nature of the acoustic vent.The acoustic vent material 267 a may be a membrane, which membrane maybe cantered at an angle from 0 to 180 degrees, such as from 90 to 180degrees. It is to be noted that although the sound transmission portions60 are described as being positioned on a proximal end of the housing201, they could be positioned anywhere along the perimeter or top orbottom front and back surface of the housing without departing from thenature of the disclosure. The acoustic vent material may be positionedwithin the assembly 260 at an angle so as to increase the crosssectional area of the vent material for improved sound transmission.

FIG. 20 provides a close up view of the interior perimeter portion 220 bwith the orientation and sound switch interfaces blown up in detail.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a perimeter portion of a housing ofthe disclosure may include one or more fabricated switch or buttonfeatures. For instance, a switch or button feature for engaging a switchor button mechanism of an encased device, such as an on/off,orientation, or silence switch or volume button, may be provided. As canbe seen with respect to FIG. 20, a switch feature such as orientationtoggles 272 a, 272 b may be included on a portion of the housing 201,such as on one of the opposing side portions. The perimeter of thehousing 201 may further include other features such as one or more of anon/off switch, a volume control button; a coin slot feature; one or moreacoustic vents, a latch feature, and the like. The switch, toggles, andbutton features may be fabricated into the housing 201 and arespecifically configured for engaging the respective switches, togglesand buttons of a housed device. Hence, the switches, toggles and buttonsare designed to model and ensure both the functionality and aestheticsof the underlying switches and buttons of the underlying device.

As depicted, the perimeter portion of the housing 201 may contain atoggle feature 272 and volume buttons 273. The housing 201 includes atop housing member 202 having a perimeter portion 220, and a bottomhousing member 203, having a perimeter portion 230. As depicted, thetoggle feature 272 and volume buttons 273 are positioned along aperimeter portion 230 of the bottom member 203. In this embodiment, thestyle of the toggle 272 and button 273 features are designed to retainthe stylistic features and functionality of the switches and buttons ofthe underlying device. The orientation toggles 272 a, 272 b areconfigured for engaging a respective orientation switch of a houseddevice so as to manipulate the orientation feature of the housed device.The volume control toggles or buttons 273 are configured for engagingtheir corresponding buttons on a housed device for the increasing anddecreasing of the volume of an underlying device.

The orientation switch feature 272 includes an actuator base, which maybe fabricated from a rigid material, and may include one or more axlesor rockers that pivot about the base so as to effectively engage aportion or portions of a silence switch of a housed device. Volumecontrol toggles 273 include a flat user engagement surface portion,which may be engaged by a user, and an extended button engagementportion that is configured for engaging a button of a housed device.

For instance, the orientation toggle feature may be configured as aplurality of slider toggles 272 a, 272 b, which toggles 272 include ahousing, an actuator top member, a rigid actuator base, and switchinterfaces 274 a, 274 b, which switch interfaces couples with anorientation switch of an underlying device so as to manipulate theorientation switch, e.g., from one orientation to another. Theorientation toggle feature may further include an axle or rocker aboutwhich the actuator top member rotates.

Specifically, the toggles may be formed as oblong hook members that arepositioned a space away from one another so as to surround a switch,such as an orientation switch of an underlying device. As one or theother toggles is depressed, the toggle rotates around the base via theaxle thereby engaging the switch and changing the orientation. If anopposite orientation is desired, the opposing toggle is depressed. In amanner such as this the orientation switch of an encased device may bemanipulated so as to slide from a first to a second position and backagain thereby manipulating the orientation view of an underlying device.

It is to be noted, that although the toggle feature 272 has beendescribed as having various switch components, various of the switchcomponents may be included or excluded or modified without departingfrom the nature of the switch feature 290 so long as the switch featureis capable of engaging and manipulating a switch of an underlyingdevice. For instance, in certain instance, a switch feature may includea flexible, semi-rigid switch housing, which housing includes one ormore rigid or semi-rigid switch interface portions that are associatedwith an inside surface of the housing, which switch interface portionsare configured for engaging a switch of the underlying device. In suchan instance, the switch housing may be a raised member that isconfigured for being depressed in an up or down direction or switchedfrom a side to side direction, which depression or switching allows oneof the switch interface portions to engage and manipulate the underlyingswitch of a housed device either upwards or downwards or from side toside.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the orientation toggle feature includes anactuator switch housing that overlays the oblong toggle top members,each toggle axle, and switch interface portions 274 a and 274 b. As thehousing is depressed, the top member is manipulated, e.g., moved upwardor downward or side to side in a linear direction, the base memberrotates about the axle thereby causing one or the other of the switchinterface to translate the switch of an underlying device in an opposinglinear direction, e.g., thereby changing the orientation view of theunderlying device.

Also depicted is a plurality of button switches, such as volume controlbuttons, wherein the switch housing includes corresponding switchinterface portions that are configured for engaging and manipulating aswitch of a housed device, when the housing is depressed such as in anupward or downward direction, e.g., thereby increasing or decreasing thevolume thereof. It is noted that the on/off switch 271 may be configuredto operate in a similar manner.

FIGS. 21A-21F provide various detailed views of the earphone port 285positioned on the distal end 232 of the bottom member 203 as describedherein. In this instance, the outer and middle perimeter portion 220 a,220 b of the housing 201 includes a headphone port feature 285, forinstance, for receiving either a jack, such as a headphone jack of aheadphone or speaker assembly, or a closure device, e.g., a bung 286, orthe like. It is noted that the headphone port feature may be included ina top and/or bottom member 202, 203.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 21C, the headphone port feature 285includes an aperture 294 positioned in the bottom members 203. Theaperture 294 is bounded by a threaded region 295, which threaded region295 may be configured for receiving a corresponding threaded region 288present on either a headphone jack or a closure device, such as an earphone jack port bung 286. In various instances, a gasket, such as anO-ring, may be included in addition to the threads.

Accordingly, a suitable headphone jack or closure device 286 willinclude a corresponding thread feature 288 and may additionally includea gasket 289. If the headphone jack and/or closure device 286 includes agasket 289, then the aperture 294 need not include a gasket, rather itwill simply include the threaded feature 288. The threaded region 288may be configured as a typical thread feature or may be configured as acam feature. Hence, it is to be noted, that the gasket 289 may bepresent within the housing of the aperture 294, or may be present on theport bung 286 or headphone jack.

The aperture 294, therefore may be bounded by both of a gasket 289(e.g., if not included in a corresponding port bung 286 and/or jack257), and a threaded region 295, which threaded region 295 is configuredfor receiving the corresponding threaded region 288 on an ear phone jackport bung 286 and/or corresponding region on an ear phone or speakerjack. (See FIGS. 21D-21F). In this configuration, the coupling of theear phone jack port bung 86 or jack with the headphone port feature 285results in a liquid and dirt tight seal, which seal prevents a liquid,such as water, and/or dirt from entering the housing 201 through theheadphone port 285. (See for instance, FIGS. 21B and 21E).

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 21E, an element of the housing maybe a port 285, such as a headphone port, that is configured for actingas an interface between a headphone, speaker, or other jack containingdevice, and a jack port of an underlying electronic device so as toprovide a liquid-proof interface between the headphone, speaker jack,etc. and the underlying device. In such an instance, the interface is aliquid and dirt proof seal. In certain instances, however, a headphone,speaker, or other device containing a jack interface may not be includedor may not otherwise be associated with the housing or an underlyingdevice associated therewith. In such an instance, a port sealing device285 may be associated with the port of the housing so as to maintain aliquid and dirt proof seal when a liquid-proof jack, such as the onedescribed herein below, is not associated with the port of the housing.

In certain instances, a port sealing bung 286 is provided for sealing anassociated port 285 of a housing 201. The port sealing bung 286 mayinclude a top member 289 a, which top-member may further include a gripfeature region 289 b. The port sealing bung 286 may also include agasket region containing a gasket 288 and a threaded region containingthreads 287, which threads are configured for coupling withcorresponding threads 295 of a jack port 285 so as to establish a liquidand dirt tight seal there between.

It is to be noted that the threaded regions may be configured as athread feature or a cam feature. For instance, instead of the threadedregion depicted, a cam feature, such as a bayonet cam feature can beprovided. The cam feature may be configured for coupling the jack portsealing bung 286 with the jack port 285 in a liquid-tight seal when theport is not associated with a corresponding liquid-proof jack interface.It is to be noted that when the cam feature is included in the jack portbung 286, a corresponding cam receiving feature is substituted for thethreaded region 295 of the port jack 285. For instance, when the camfeature is an expanded cam feature that is included in the jack portbung 286, a corresponding indented cam receiving feature is substitutedfor the threaded region 295 of the port jack 285. The cammed jack portbung 86 also includes a top member 289 a having a grip feature 289 b andgasket 288.

FIGS. 22A-C provide a detailed view of the noise cancelling feature 291positioned on the distal end 232 of the bottom member 203 as describedherein. The noise cancelling feature 291 includes a sound channel 292that traverses from the exterior 220 a of the housing 201, through theperimeter portions 220 b, 220 c into the interior of the housing 201.The sound channel is transected by a membrane 293, which membrane isconfigured for letting sound pass therethrough but not liquids, such aswater.

Accordingly, in various instances, a perimeter portion or a top andbottom surface of the housing 201 may include a sound transmissionportion 260 that is configured as a noise cancelling feature 291. Inthis configuration, the noise cancelling feature 291 functions forassisting in directing ambient noise toward a noise cancellingmicrophone present on an encased device thereby facilitating in thecancelling of ambient noise. The noise cancelling feature 291 may bepositioned anywhere on the housing 201, on a top member 202 or bottommember 203, such as along the perimeter 220 or 230. As depicted in FIG.21, the noise cancelling feature 291 is positioned on a bottom member203.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 22A, the noise cancelling feature291 includes an acoustic inlet aperture that communicates with aninterior of the housing. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 22B, theinlet aperture communicates through a sound guide channel 292, whichchannel 292 directs sound toward an acoustic membrane 293 positioned ina transverse manner within the sound guide channel 292. The acousticinlet aperture may be offset from a noise cancelling microphone of anencased device, but is configured for directing ambient noise thereto.Accordingly, as depicted, the noise cancelling feature 291 includes oneor more sound inlet apertures, a sound guide channel 292, and anacoustic vent membrane 293. The sound guide channel 292 is configuredfor directing sound toward a noise cancelling microphone present on anencased electronic device. The acoustic vent membrane 293 may bepositioned so as to intersect the sound guide channel 292. In the samemanner described above, the acoustic membrane 263 may be associated withthe housing in an overmolded configuration and an adhesive may beincluded to secure the membrane to the housing.

FIGS. 23A and 23B provide a close up of a camera or lens feature 280 asdescribed herein. In this instance, the bottom member 203 includes thelens feature 280, wherein in other embodiments, a lens feature 280 maybe included in top member 202, or both. The camera portion 280 mayinclude one or more of a raised lip portion 281 surrounding an opticalskirt 282. The optical skirt 282 is configured for housing at least acamera lens region 283 a and may additionally include a flash lensregion 283 b. Either lens can be replaced by an optically transmissiveregion.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a top and/or a bottom member 202,203 may include a camera portion 280 having a lens feature, such as acamera and/or flash feature. In typical cases, a lens and/or flashfeature is not provided. Rather, there is simply an opticallytransmissive region provided. Such a region may be problematic becauseit may interfere with the clarity of pictures taken by the camera, andfurther, where a flash is provided may allow the transmission of lightincident to the camera lens of the underlying device thereby causingpictures taken thereby to be washed out. In other instances, a cut-outportion of the casing is provided through which pictures may be taken.However, this is not ideal as it prevents the case from being waterresistant. If a camera and/or lens is to be provided in a housing of thedisclosure, it may be so provided in such a manner as to be stepped upfrom the housing. This is not ideal because it is hard to clean, easy toscratch, and hard to protect.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a lens feature 280 is providedwherein one or more lenses, such as a camera 283 a and/or a flash 283 blens, are positioned within the top 202 or bottom 203 member of thehousing 201 so as to be integral therewith and not substantially steppedup there from. The lens feature may include a lens 283 a for a cameraand/or another lens 283 b for a flash, and may further include anoptical skirt 282 surrounding the one or more lenses so as to preventinerrant light transmission, e.g., to reduce internal reflection andthereby reduce flair.

In fabricating a lens feature 280, the one or more lenses may be pressedinto the top 202 or bottom member 203, so as to be pressed flush againstthe housing material. Such a fabrication method may be better thanmolding because typical molding process using rubber and other suchmaterials are difficult with respect to glass due to the difference inthermal expansions and contraction. Further, it is difficult to makesuch seals watertight.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, a housing containing a lens element 280is provided wherein one or more lenses 283 are provided, these may havea diameter that is greater than that of the lenses provided in theunderlying device. A housing member 202 or 203 may then be fabricated,e.g., molded, and provided separately, a mandrel, or other such tool,may then be employed to press the lens feature into the housing member.This will give the lens feature a clean, well-fit interface with thesurrounding material of the housing member. The lens feature should beconfigured such that the transition is flush with no cavities betweenthe lens feature and the housing material. As can be seen with respectto FIG. 23A, the camera feature 280 includes a raised lip portion 281that surrounds an optical skirt 282. The optical skirt 282 includes acamera lens orifice containing a camera lens 283 a and a flash lensorifice containing a flash lens 283 b.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 23B, the lens feature 280 includesan optical skirt 282. The optical skirt 282 includes a camera lensorifice containing a camera lens 283 a. It is to be noted that in thisembodiment a flash lens orifice containing a flash lens 283 b is notprovided, however, in other embodiments, a flash lens 283 b may bepresent. In other instances, no lenses are provided. Rather a simpleoptically clear transmissive region may be provided instead.

The optical skirt 282 may be configured so as to prevent thetransmission of light from the flash to the camera lens. The opticalskirt 282 includes a camera lens orifice containing a camera lens 83 aand may include a similar flash lens orifice containing a flash lens.The lens skirt 282 includes a concentric baffle detail which provides anenhanced field of view for the lens 283 a.

FIGS. 24A and 24B provide embodiments of the housing 201 wherein thehousing further includes a cover 312. The cover may be removablyattached to a front surface of the perimeter portion 220 a of the topmember 202, e.g., via molding and/or via an adhesive or magnets.Alternatively, the cover can be associated with a wedge locking elementand attached to the housing by insertion of the wedge element into theassociated wedge groove formed by the coupling of the top member withthe bottom member. The cover can be configured for interacting with thehousing such that when the cover is engaged for the purpose of coveringan encased device, the device is turned off and by opening the cover thedevice is turned on. There perimeter portion therefore may be configuredfor transmitting an on/off signal based on the relative positioning ofthe cover.

It is to be noted that one or more of the above described features couldbe positioned along the perimeter portion 220, 230 of a top 202 orbottom member 203 as well. Additionally, a top member 202 front/backsurface 225/226 may also be provided, e.g., a membrane. Where provided,the top member 202 front/back surface 225, 226 may include a videocamera optically clear region, a proximity sensor, and/or an acousticvent ear piece aperture for transmitting sound through the top membermembrane 225, 226. One or more of the top member 202, the bottom member203, and/or a locking member may include one or a plurality ofstand-offs, such as on a front/back surface thereof.

Additionally, the top and/or bottom member may be configured so as toinclude a slot region to facilitate in separating the top member fromthe bottom member of the housing. For instance, a tool may be placedwithin the slot and twisted thereby causing the two members of thehousing to separate, e.g., unzip. In this regard, the flexible materialof the housing, e.g., the overmolded exterior perimeter portion 220 a ofthe top or bottom member 202, 203 may facilitate such an interactionbecause if the material of the housing were exclusively rigid such aninteraction would be hard to achieve in addition to a consistent seal.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, an outer perimeter portion mayinclude a slot feature, such as a coin slot feature, for assisting inseparating the top member 202 of the housing from the bottom member 203of the housing. The slot feature may include an indented, e.g., cut outportion along the perimeter positioned where the two members meet. Thecut out portion may be positioned in top member 202, and further bebounded by a plurality of bounding members, such as overhang portions intop housing 202 and bottom housing 203.

The top member 202 may additionally include a concave configurationwhile the bottom member 203 includes a convex configuration, such thatas the top 202 and bottom 203 members are joined together a coin slotfeature is formed so as to assist a user in opening the opposing membersof the housing 201, such as by inserting a tool, such as a coin, intothe concave region and twisting thereby forcing the top member 202 awayfrom the bottom member 203.

Additionally, a housing of the disclosure may be configured to housevirtually anything capable of being housed and transported. Forinstance, a housing may be provided that is in the form of a case, suchas a brief case, suitcase, messenger case, and the like. For example,the housing 1 may be in the form of a storage container, cooler, warmer,or the like. The storage container can be configured to store anythingin need of being protected from the environment, such as food, liquids,ice, paper, notebooks, books, household items, work items, officesupplies, medical items, sports items, clothing, fragile items, preciousitems, and the like.

Such a housing would include a top member 202 and bottom member 203,which top and bottom members include respective clasping mechanisms 227and 237, as described above. A gasket 215 would also be provided andpositioned along a perimeter portion of the top or bottom member. Ahinge element could be provided or incorporated into the wedgeconfiguration described above and be positioned in a top or bottommember. The top member therefore could be connected to the bottom member203 via the hinge element. In such an embodiment, the claspingmechanisms and/or gasket, may not need to entirely circumscribe theperimeters of the top and bottom members, however, in variousembodiments, one or more of the clasping mechanisms and gasket docircumscribe the entire perimeter portions, e.g., of the respective topand/or bottom members 202, 203. In this instance, the top 202 and bottom203 members would not be configured from being removed from one another.In other instances, the top member 202 would be configured for beingcompletely removed from the bottom member 203. In this instance, theclasping mechanisms 227 and 237 may circumscribe the entire perimeterportions of the top and bottom members 202, 203, and the gasket 210 mayentirely circumscribe the perimeter portion of the bottom member 203.

An additional latching mechanism may be included to either of the topand bottom members 202, 203 for further securing of the sealing of thetop and bottom members together. This additional latching mechanism maybe in any configuration so long as it is capable of facilitating thecoupling and/or securing of the top member 202 with the bottom member203. For instance, the latching mechanism may be one commonly known inthe art. In certain embodiments it may include a locking mechanism knownin the art, such as a lock and key mechanism, a combination mechanism, ahoop mechanism through witch an external lock is added, and the like.

EXAMPLES

Two cases as described were manufactured. One case had the snap-toothconfiguration such as that depicted and described with reference to FIG.1A and the other had the locking wedge configuration such as thatdepicted and described with reference to FIG. 1E. The cases and theircomponents had the following dimensions:

Wedges Embodiment

>Whole Housing

-   -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness 17 mm ( 11/16″)    -   Mass: 220 g (8 ounces)        Beyond Device    -   add to width each side 9 mm ( 11/32″)    -   add to Length each end 9 mm ( 11/32″)    -   add to thickness Top perimeter 4 mm ( 5/32″)    -   add to thickness Top face 0-0.5 mm (0- 1/64″)    -   add to thickness Bottom perimeter 4 mm ( 5/32″)    -   add to thickness Bottom face 2 mm ( 3/32″)        Top Member    -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness at seal 3.5 mm (⅛″)    -   Thickness at interdigitation 9 mm (⅜″)    -   Weight 60 g (2 ounces)        Bottom Member    -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness at seal 12 mm (½″)    -   Thickness at interdigitation 15 mm (⅝″)    -   Weight 160 g (5¾ ounces)        Wedges    -   Thickness at engagement 2.5 mm ( 1/10″)    -   Thickness overall 3.2 mm (⅛″)    -   Width 4.5 mm ( 3/16″)    -   Length—varies        -   Sides—230 mm (9″)        -   Headphone end—150 mm (6″)        -   Latch end—2 short either side of latch—68 mm (2⅝″)            Snaps Embodiment            >Whole Housing    -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness 17 mm ( 11/16″)    -   Mass: 220 g (8 ounces)        Beyond Device    -   add to width each side 9 mm ( 11/32″)    -   add to Length each end 9 mm ( 11/32″)    -   add to thickness Top perimeter 4 mm ( 5/32″)    -   add to thickness Top face 0-0.5 mm (0- 1/64″)    -   add to thickness Bottom perimeter 4 mm ( 5/32″)    -   add to thickness Bottom face 2 mm ( 3/32″)        Top Member    -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness at seal 3.5 mm (⅛″)    -   Thickness at snap fits 12 mm (½″)    -   Thickness at front face 0 mm (0″)    -   Weight 60 g (2 ounces)        Bottom Member    -   Width 204 mm (8″)    -   Length 260 mm (10¼″)    -   Thickness at seal 12 mm (½″)    -   Thickness at snap receiving pockets 12 mm (⅝″)    -   Thickness at bottom face 2 mm ( 3/32″)    -   Weight 160 g (5¾ ounces)        Locking Combs    -   Thickness at engagement 2 mm ( 3/32″)    -   Thickness overall 3.5 mm (⅛″)    -   Height 8 mm ( 5/16″)    -   Length—varies        -   Volume control sides—175 mm (7″)        -   Single corner 15 mm ( 19/32″)        -   Opposing side 225 mm (9″)        -   Headphone end—125 mm (5″)        -   Latch end—2 short either side of latch—68 mm (2⅝″)

A tablet computer was placed in each case and the case was assembled asdescribed above. Specifically, the device was inserted into the bottommember 3. The top member 2 was then positioned over the device and thebottom member having either snap-tooth receptacles or wedge receivinghooks and the snap tooth members or interdigitating hooks were alignedwith one another. The top 2 and bottom 3 members were then coupledtogether by pressing down on the perimeter portions of the top andbottom members to snap them in place or otherwise couple them. The snaptooth combs or wedges were then inserted sequentially and snapped intoplace or otherwise coupled therewith. The charger port door was closed.The bung was inserted into the bung receptacle and firmly tightened.Each housing containing the device was dropped six times on each surfacewith no observable physical or observable operational damage being doneto the underlying device. Further, each case containing the device wassubmerged to a depth of 6 feet in water six times and left therein forone half hour with no water damage due to leakage being done to theunderlying encased device. The housings described herein and presentedwith respect to the appended figures are therefore both water andshockproof.

The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for an apparatusof the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the featuresand functionality that can be included in the housings described herein.The apparatus is not restricted to the illustrated architectures orconfigurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternativearchitectures and configurations. Additionally, although the apparatusis described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features andfunctionality described in one or more of the individual embodimentswith which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or insome combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of thedisclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether ornot such features are presented as being a part of a describedembodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present disclosure,especially in any following claims, should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read to mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectivessuch as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms ofsimilar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item describedto a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, butinstead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal,or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at anytime in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with theconjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and everyone of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be readas “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group ofitems linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiringmutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as“and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item,elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed inthe singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereofunless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence ofbroadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but notlimited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read tomean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances wheresuch broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, where a range isset forth, the upper and lower limitations of the range are inclusive ofall of the intermediary units therein.

The foregoing description is intended to illustrate but not to limit thescope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appendedclaims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective encasement for a mobile computingdevice having a control switch, the protective encasement comprising: atop member to at least partially cover the mobile computing device and abottom member to mate with the top member, the top and bottom memberseach having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interiorsurfaces to receive at least a portion of the mobile computing device toat least partially encase the mobile computing device; a couplingmechanism to couple the top member with the bottom member; an aperturein one of the top member and the bottom member; and a switch featuredisposed on the one of the top member and the bottom member proximatethe aperture, the switch feature positioned to operate the controlswitch of the encased mobile computing device when the top member ismated with the bottom member, the switch feature comprising; auser-actuatable control disposed on the exterior surface of the one ofthe top member and the bottom member proximate the aperture, a switchinterface connected to the user-actuatable control and disposed on theinterior surface of the one of the top member and the bottom member, theswitch interface rotatable in conjunction with rotation of theuser-actuatable control, the switch interface including a U-shapedopening to translate the rotation of the user-actuatable control intolinear movement of the control switch of the encased mobile computingdevice.
 2. The protective encasement of claim 1, wherein the linearmovement has a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of theprotective encasement.
 3. The protective encasement of claim 1, theswitch feature further comprising a post member disposed through theaperture and attached to the user-actuatable control and the switchinterface.
 4. The protective encasement of claim 3 further comprising aseal positioned between the top member and the bottom member, and theswitch feature further comprising a post member gasket disposed on thepost member, the post member gasket to form a waterproof seal betweenthe post member and the aperture.
 5. The protective encasement of claim3, wherein one of the user-actuatable control and the switch interfaceincludes the post member.
 6. The protective encasement of claim 1, theswitch feature further comprising a flexible housing.
 7. The protectiveencasement of claim 1 further comprising a partially circularindentation disposed in the exterior surface of the one of the topmember and bottom member, the user-actuatable control rotatable withinthe partially circular indentation.
 8. A protective encasement for amobile computing device having a control switch, the protectiveencasement comprising: a top member to at least partially cover themobile computing device and a bottom member to mate with the top member,the top and bottom members each having an interior surface and anexterior surface, the interior surfaces to receive at least a portion ofthe mobile computing device; a coupling mechanism to couple the topmember with the bottom member; an aperture in one of the top member andthe bottom member; and a switch feature disposed on the one of the topmember and the bottom member, the switch feature positioned to operatethe control switch of the mobile computing device when the top member ismated with the bottom member to encase the mobile computing device, theswitch feature comprising: a handle member disposed on the exteriorsurface of the one of the top and the bottom member, a switch interfaceconnected to the handle member and disposed on the interior surface ofthe one of the top and the bottom member, the switch interface rotatablein response to a force applied to the handle member, and a cavitydisposed on the switch interface to at least partially surround thecontrol switch and translate rotation of the handle member into linearmovement of the control switch of the encased mobile computing device.9. The protective encasement of claim 8, wherein the switch interface isrotatable to move the control switch of the mobile computing devicelinearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of theprotective encasement.
 10. The protective encasement of claim 8, theswitch feature further comprising a post member disposed through theaperture and attached to the handle member and the switch interface. 11.The protective encasement of claim 10 further comprising a sealpositioned between the top member and the bottom member, and the switchfeature further comprising a post member gasket disposed on the postmember, the post member gasket to form a waterproof seal with theaperture.
 12. The protective encasement of claim 8, wherein the handlemember includes a knob.
 13. The protective encasement of claim 8, theswitch feature further comprising a flexible housing.
 14. The protectiveencasement of claim 8, the protective encasement further comprising apartially circular indentation disposed in the exterior surface of theone of the top member and the bottom member, the handle member beingrotatable within the partially circular indentation.
 15. A protectiveencasement for a mobile computing device having a control switch, theprotective encasement comprising: a first member to at least partiallycover the mobile computing device and a second member to mate with thefirst member, the first and second members each having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface, the interior surfaces to receive atleast a portion of the mobile computing device; and a switch feature onthe first member, the switch feature positioned to operate the controlswitch of the mobile computing device when the first member is matedwith the second member to at least partially encase the mobile computingdevice, the switch feature comprising: an actuator member disposed onthe exterior surface of the first member, a plurality of switchinterfaces coupled with the actuator member, the switch interfaces toengage the control switch of the encased mobile computing device, suchthat force applied to the actuator member is transferred to at least oneof the switch interfaces to manipulate the control switch linearly in adirection substantially parallel to a plane of the protectiveencasement; and a plurality of switch interface axles, each of theswitch interface axles coupled with a corresponding one of the pluralityof switch interfaces such that each of the switch interfaces rotatearound the respective switch interface axles in response to a rotationof the actuator member.
 16. The protective encasement of claim 15,wherein at least one of the plurality of switch interfaces is configuredas an oblong hook member.
 17. The protective encasement of claim 15,wherein the actuator member is configured as a toggle, the switchfeature further comprising a toggle axle attached to the actuator memberto allow the actuator member to pivot on the toggle axle, such thatforce applied by a user on a portion of the actuator member istransferred to one of the switch interfaces and manipulates the controlswitch linearly in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of theprotective encasement.
 18. The protective encasement of claim 15,wherein the actuator member is configured to be rotated in response to aforce applied by a user on a portion of the actuator member, one of theswitch interfaces translating rotation of the actuator member intolinear movement of the control switch in a direction substantiallyparallel to a plane of the protective encasement.
 19. The protectiveencasement of claim 15, the switch feature further comprising a flexiblehousing.
 20. The protective encasement of claim 8 wherein the cavitycomprises a U-shaped cavity.